A night-blooming once-wild native of Central America, Mexico
and Texas, these herbaceous perennials are now cultivated
in Hawaii, France, South Africa, Thailand, China & India.
Domesticated by pre-Columbian Indians of Mexico, tuberoses
were among the first plants taken back to the Old World
by the Spanish, and have been a favorite ever since in
gardens around the world. Thomas Jefferson has it in
his gardens at Monticello, and itcaptured the hearts
of nineteenth-century Russia so much so that it was prohibited
to grow other than in the Imperial Court's gardens! The
Aztecs used the essential oil of the plant to flavor
chocolate, and even today, the oil is used as a sweetener
for vegetable soup by the Chinese in Java. Commercially,
the oil is extracted to be used in perfumes, soaps, candles & healing
essential oils.
Tuberose
is tuberous in the sense that it grows from a bulb. Its botanical
name Polianthes either refers to its numerous (poly) or shining
white (polis) lily-like flowers (anthos). 'The Pearl' produces
2-5 flower stems per plant, with 20 or more double, rose-like,
creamy white, flowers on a stem. Tuberose likes a sunny spot
and will grow to about 2-3 feet high. Plant tubers about
nine inches apart with the top of the tuber exposed. Hardy
in Zones 7-10, elsewhere dig and store in frost-free place
over winter.
Often
used in Hawaiian leis, and in Hawaiian wedding ceremonies
where the bride wears a wreath of tuberose and pikaki flowers
around her head called a haku, the tuberose is undeniably
linked with tropical delights. Approximately 40 tuberose
flowers are used for a single lei. With a powerful, enchanting
scent similar to the Gardenia or Jasmine (most pervasive
at nightfall and lasting days even after the flower is cut)
and its long, dramatic spikes of pure white florets, it makes
a dramatic statement in the garden or vase, making it a favorite
of florists also. (Note, water must be changed every day
if used as a cut flower).
Coupled
with its white luminescence, the nocturnal intensity of the
flower's scent attracts the moths that ensure its continued
pollination, making this a fine addition to the moonlit garden.
In fact, the mysteriously nocturnal nature of this flower,
combined with with its lunar-like whiteness, links it symbolically
to the astrological Moon — representative of our instinctual
and emotional self, and our capacity to nurture and feel
secure.
In
Ayurvedic medicine, attars like those made from Tuberose
are held in high esteem not only for their exquisite fragrances,
but for their healing properties.The richness and depth of
Tuberose's sensual, floral scent is said to heighten senses
and feelings-- a connection which perhaps affects what's
known as the Svadisthana (sacral) chakra. The energetic focus
of our sexuality and primal emotions, the Svadisthana chakra,
the subtle energy center for which the crescent moon is a
symbol, is awakened by fragrances that are innately voluptuous
and sensualising, the best examples of which are floral,
sultry aromatics such as Tuberose, Jasmine and Mimosa. Thus,
the striking aphrodisiac potential of the Tuberose scent
may relate directly to its stimulating influence on this
chakra, as does its ability to intensify our deepest feelings,
encouraging them to flow, and bringing serenity to the mind
and heart. By opening the crown chakra, Tuberose improves
psychic powers. Tuberose also amplifies artistic inspiration
as it stimulates the creative right side of the brain.
Return
to Vegetable & Flower
Index |
