Tuberose

lat. Polianthes tuberosa

Group: Flowers

Flowering plants which are much valued for their fragrance and are admired for their prettiness, Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) is also among them that acquires this very place and has long been cherished for its sweet fragrance, elegance and for its absolute and concrete extracted from its fragrant white flowers. The flower has such a heady floral fragrance that the picked flowers continue to produce for at least a good two weeks even after the blooms begin to fade.

The name reflects the fact that the plant is grown from tubers, hence, tuber-ose (and not 'tube-rose'). It is one of the tropical flowers of Hawaii and together with Dendrobium Orchid it is used to create the most beautifully scented traditional Hawaiian leis. The scent of tuberose is considered to be the primal scent of the tropics of Hawaii.

Tuberose is a perennial plant of the family Amaryllis from the genus Polianthes. The common name 'tuberose' derives from the Latin tuberosa, meaning swollen. It consists of about 12 species. It is a native to Mexico, however, talking of its cultivation, France, South Africa, China, the Comoros Islands, Hawaii, India and Morocco are the countries where it thrives well. It has gained considerable importance among the growers of the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. It has great economic potential in the cut flower market and in essential oil industry.

Image by sleepyneko

It grows in elongated spikes that produce clusters of white flowers that are 5-6 cm long and have a characteristic bending. Long flowering stem reaches up to two feet in height. Leaves are pale-green, long, narrow and very dense. Tube is long, narrow and funnel shaped, slightly bent near base. The plant is tropical to semi-tropical and grows under a wide range of climatic conditions, however, basically it needs warmth, sunshine, high relative humidity, well-drained soil, and even moisture. The ideal temperature for plant growth on average ranges between 20 and 30 degrees C.

There are four groups of cultivars of tuberose which are; single, double, semi-double and GVB54 variegated. Single and double are the two well-known tuberose varieties. Single flowered type is mostly cultivated for the extraction of its perfume. Flowers are pure white and the variety is called 'Single Mexican'. The double flowered variety has white flowers tinged with pinkish red and is preferred for cut flower trade due to the density of the flowers on its spikes. The flowers of this variety are called 'Double Pearl'.

Image by vpzone

Talking of Tuberose essential oil, there is actually no such thing as essential oil referring to this flower. The flowers are too delicate to withstand the rigors of steam distillation and hence, the oil is extracted by either enfleurage or by solvent distillation. Freshly picked flowers before they open are enfleuraged. About 150 Kg of flowers yield 1 Kg absolute of enfleurage which is a brown, semi-solid and alcohol soluble liquid. Extraction of tuberose flowers with petroleum ether yields concrete which is a light to dark brown waxy mass, only partially soluble in high-proof alcohol.

Tuberose is not only used to decorate garlands, floral ornaments, bouquets and table vases but it also possesses some medicinal values. Its flowers are diuretic and emetic, also used to treat insomnia, influenza and rheumatism. Smelling tuberose improves peace of mind and so it helps improve the physical strength. Alongside its other uses tuberose is also considered aphrodisiac.

TUBEROSE IN PERFUMES