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Description
Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis, also known as the Night-flowering Jasmine or Parijat, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Oleaceae family. This small tree or shrub is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, and Thailand. It is popular for its fragrant, white, and star-shaped flowers that bloom at night and fall in the morning.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Nyctanthes |
Appearance
The Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis plant can grow up to 10 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 40 cm. It has a grayish-brown bark with vertical cracks. The leaves are simple, green, and glossy, with a length of 5-12 cm and a width of 2-6 cm. The white flowers are fragrant, with five to eight petals and a diameter of 2-3 cm. The flowers bloom at night and fall in the morning, leaving behind a small fruit that contains two seeds.
Care Guide
The Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis plant requires moderate care to thrive. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis plant is susceptible to pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: These small insects can cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves.
- Whiteflies: These tiny insects can cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth.
- Root Rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves, which can lead to leaf drop.
Habitat
The Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis plant is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia. It prefers well-draining soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade. The plant is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis plant toxic to pets?
A: No, the plant is not toxic to pets.
Q: How long do the flowers of the Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis plant last?
A: The flowers bloom at night and fall in the morning, and each flower lasts for about a day.
Q: Can the Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis plant tolerate cold temperatures?
A: No, the plant is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold temperatures.
Q: How often should I prune my Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis plant?
A: Prune the plant in the spring to maintain its shape and size. Remove dead or damaged branches as needed.
Related Plants
- Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
- Frangipani (Plumeria spp.)
- Madagascar Jasmine (Stephanotis floribunda)
- Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia spp.)
References
- “Nyctanthes arbor-tristis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c378
- “Nyctanthes arbor-tristis.” PlantNet. http://www.plantnet.org/PlantNet/PlantSearch.aspx?output=xml&criteria=nyctanthes+arbor-tristis
- “Nyctanthes arbor-tristis.” Purdue University Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Nyctanthes_arbor-tristis.html
