Botanical Name: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L.
Family: Oleaceae
Common names: Coral Jasmine, Tree of Sorrow, Queen of the Night
Vernacular/Local name: Parijat
Diagnostic characters: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis is a shrub or small tree with flaky bark. It is known by its characteristic fragrant flowers blooming at night. Corolla lobes are white and corolla tube is orange-red in colour. The plant bears a distinct bilobed, heart-shaped fruit containing one seed per lobe.
Phenology: Throughout the year
Etymology: The genus name Nyctanthes is derived from Greek words “nyktos†meaning night and “Anthos†meaning flower, and the species name arbor-tristis comes from Latin words “arbor†meaning tree and “tristis†meaning sad.
Uses:
- The sweet-scented flowers bloom profusely at night and drop off in the morning, forming a carpet of flowers on the ground. Hence, the plant is cultivated in gardens.
- Flowers are used for worship and as a natural dye.
- Nyctanthes arbor-tristis is used in Ayurveda, Siddha-Ayurveda, and Yunani medicine as a laxative, diuretic, anti-venom, digestive, and mild bitter tonic.
References:
- Singh, J., A. Singh & A. Singh (2021). Nyctanthes arbor-tristis: a comprehensive review. World Journal of Current Medical and Pharmaceutical Research. 74-78. 10.37022/wjcmpr.v3i4.181.
- Singh, D. K., R. K. Pandey, R. Singh & R. K. Agnihotri (2022). Parijat (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L.): A Holy tree of India with special reference to medicinal importance. Academia Journal of Medicinal Plants 10(4): 049-052.
