Tuberose
Polianthes tuberosa
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
A herb. It grows 120 cm high and spreads 50 cm wide. It forms clumps. The leaves are narrow and strap like. They are grey-green. The flowers are funnel shaped. they are waxy and white. They are 5 cm long with 6 widely flared lobes.
There are 13-14 Polianthes species. Also put in the family Agavaceae.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It suits hardiness zones 9-10. It needs a fertile, well-drained soil. It needs to be kept moist and needs full sun.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Central America, China, Europe, France, Guam, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, North America, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, USA
How it is used for food
It has been used as a flavouring for chocolate. The flowers are also added to soup. The fruit are eaten.
Edible parts
Flowers - flavouring, fruit
How it is grown
Plants are grown from offsets around the base.
Its other names
Local names
Azucena, Amiga-de-noche, Evening fragrant Jade, Gulcheri, Gulshabbo, Hnin-pan, Kerak nasi, Kupaloke, Nelasampangi, Nelasampinge, Nilasampangi, Padda, Rajani-gandha, Rajnigandha, Sandarmalam, Sandharaga, Sedap malam, Siku dengan, Sugandha-raja, Sukandaraji, Sundal malam, Sundel malem, Wanxiangyu