Nyctanthes

Nyctanthes is a genus of one or two species of flowering plants in the family Oleaceae. The genus is native to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and northeastern Australia. The most well-known species is Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, commonly known as the night-blooming jasmine or coral jasmine. This species is a shrub or small tree that produces fragrant flowers. The flowers are white with a deep orange-red center and bloom at night, falling off by dawn, which gives the plant its common name "tree of sorrow" in Sanskrit.

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis has cultural and medicinal significance. Its flowers are used in traditional Indian medicine and are also used to make a perfume. The leaves are believed to have various therapeutic properties. The plant is often cultivated in gardens for its aesthetic appeal and enchanting fragrance. Another species, Nyctanthes acutifolia, is found in Southeast Asia and is less commonly known. The genus name Nyctanthes derives from Greek words meaning "night" and "flower," referring to the nocturnal blooming of its most famous species.