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Tuberose Rajinigandha
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Tuberose Rajinigandha

Polianthes tuberosa

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameTuberose Rajinigandha
DescriptionExquisitely fragrant bulbous perennial producing tall spikes of waxy, cream-white tubular flowers that release their intense, sweet perfume most powerfully at night. The name 'Rajnigandha' means 'night-fragrant' in Sanskrit, perfectly describing this flower's enchanting evening scent. Highly valued in perfumery, religious ceremonies, and as cut flowers, tuberoses have been cultivated for centuries for their unparalleled fragrance that can perfume an entire garden.
FamilyAsparagaceae
GenusPolianthes
TribePoliantheae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula⊕ ⚥ P(3+3) A6 G(3)

Radially symmetrical, bisexual, 6 fused tepals in 2 whorls of 3 forming tubular perianth, 6 free stamens, 3 fused carpels with superior ovary typical of Asparagaceae subfamily Agavoideae

Features
  • Name 'Polianthes' derives from Greek 'polios' (white/gray) and 'anthos' (flower). 'Tuberosa' refers to tuberous roots. 'Rajnigandha' (रजनीगन्धा) means 'fragrance of the night' in Sanskrit, as flowers release strongest scent after sunset
  • Waxy, tubular flowers with six petals arranged in a funnel shape, appearing in pairs along tall spikes. Single varieties have one row of petals; double varieties (Mexican tuberose) have multiple rows creating fuller blooms. Each spike bears 12-45 flowers opening sequentially from bottom to top
  • Herbaceous perennial growing from underground tubers (rhizomes). Blooms in summer (July-September) with flowers that are most fragrant at night to attract moth pollinators. After flowering, plant dies back and tubers multiply underground
  • Flower spikes grow 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall with grass-like basal leaves. Individual flowers measure 1.5-2.5 inches long. Tubers are 1-2 inches in diameter. Lifespan of tubers is 2-3 years. Propagated by division of tubers or offsets
  • Native to Mexico, particularly central highlands. Now widely cultivated in India (major commercial producer), Egypt, Morocco, southern France, and tropical regions worldwide. Grows naturally in warm, sunny areas with well-drained soil
  • Requires full sun (6-8 hours daily) and warm temperatures (70-85°F/21-29°C). Needs well-draining, fertile soil and regular watering during growth. Plant tubers in spring after frost danger passes. Not cold-hardy; tubers must be lifted in cold climates
  • One of the most important flowers in perfume industry, yielding tuberose absolute used in high-end fragrances. Essential oil used in aromatherapy. Flowers sacred in Hindu and Buddhist ceremonies. Cut flowers last 7-10 days and perfume entire rooms

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificPolianthes tuberosa
English (Alternate)Rajnigandha, Night-Blooming Tuberose, Mexican Tuberose, and Mistress of the Night
Hindiरजनीगन्धा (Rajnīgandhā)
Tamilசம்பங்கி பூ (Campaṅki Pū), ராத்திரி பூ (Rāttiri Pū)
Teluguసుగంధరాజం (Sugandharājaṁ)
Malayalamസുഗന്ധരാജൻ (Sugandharājan)
Kannadaಸುಗಂಧರಾಜ (Sugandarāja)
Sanskritरजनीगन्धा (Rajnīgandhā), निशागन्धा (Niśāgandhā)
Bengaliরজনীগন্ধা (Rajanīgandhā)
Frenchtubéreuse
Russianтубероза (tuberoza), полиант (poliant)
Spanishnardo, tuberosa
GermanTuberose

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.