Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Parijat) - Image 6

Sad tree, Night Jasmine, Parijat. This exotic small tree or shrub from India has highly perfumed flowers and is one of the most desired fragrant plants. Mythology says the plant came to earth with God Krishna, leading to a quarrel between his wives, or that it grew from a heartbroken princess's ashes, shedding flowers like tears before dawn.
The tree grows 5-10 feet tall, and prefers full sun or partial shade with moderate water.
Plant it in well-drained soil and fertilize monthly.
It has medicinal uses: stems for headaches, leaves for gallbladder issues, and flowers for fevers and faintness. It's also used in Buddhist temples.

Sad tree, Night Jasmine, Parijat. This exotic small tree or shrub has highly perfumed flowers. The sweet scented flowers are small, 1-2", attractive shape, with white corolla and an orange-red tube in center and bloom profusely, opening at night and casting off in the morning thus making a carpet of flowers. Used in Buddhist temples, for worship.
Flowers are followed by flat roundish capsules that split in half when dry. Each half of the capsule contains one seed. Propagation is easier by seeds as cuttings are very hard to root.