About Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L.
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. is a shrub or small tree that reaches up to 10 meters (33 feet) in height, and has flaky grey bark. Its leaves are opposite, simple, 6 to 12 centimeters (2.4 to 4.7 inches) long and 2 to 6.5 centimeters (0.79 to 2.56 inches) broad, with an entire margin. This species produces fragrant flowers that have a five- to eight-lobed white corolla with an orange-red center; flowers grow in clusters of two to seven individuals. Each individual flower opens at dusk and wilts by dawn. The fruit is a bilobed, flat brown capsule that ranges from heart-shaped to round, with a diameter of 2 centimeters (0.79 inches); each lobe of the capsule holds a single seed. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis is native to Indo-China, the Himalaya, and the area from Sumatra to Java. It grows in dry deciduous forests and on hillsides. The leaves of this plant have been used in Ayurvedic medicine and homeopathy to treat sciatica, arthritis, and fevers, and also as a laxative. An orange dye called nyctanthin, obtained from the corolla, is used to dye silk. In India, the flowers are used to make garlands and for worship.
