Tuberose is a tropical, night-blooming plant also known as Polianthes tuberosa, a combination of Greek and Latin words. “Polios” and “anthos” are Greek for “white flower,” and “tuberosa” means “swollen” and “tuberous” in Latin, referring to the plant roots, or tubers. Tuberoses belong to the agavaceae family and are cultivated in warm climates, including India, Morocco, South Africa and Hawaii, where strung together blossoms create flower necklaces called leis. Tuberose plants grow wild in Mexico and Central America.
History
Indigenous to Mexico, the tuberose flower was cultivated by Aztec Indians for the plant’s anti-inflammatory attributes. In reference to the plant’s waxy, vivid white blossoms, the Aztecs called the tuberose omixochitl, or bone flower. Mexican names for the tuberose are “Nardo” and “Azucena.” This flower is a favorite among Mexico’s garden enthusiasts, according to Texas A&M University.
Description
The single-flowered Mexican Everblooming tuberose, and the Pearl that bears double flowers, are common varieties of the tuberose plant, which can grow to a height of four feet. Buds open into white, tube-shaped blossoms atop flower clusters, or spikes. Bright green, elongated leaves grow at the plant’s base. According to California’s North County Times, tuberose flowers emit a powerful, sweet scent and are sometimes referred to as the most fragrant blossoms in the world.
Perfume
For centuries, tuberose flowers have been used to make perfumes. About 3,600 lbs. of tuberose blossoms are needed to produce one lb. of tuberose oil, which is among the highest priced in the perfume industry, maintains the North County Times. This oil is known as “absolute.” The heady fragrance of the tuberose flower is akin to that of the jasmine blossom.
Plant Growth
Tuberoses are perennial flowers that bloom during summer months and prefer full sun. Rhizomes, or underground stems, should be planted in moderately acidic soil in hot climates to encourage perpetual annual growth of the flowers. Tuberose rhizomes grow well in containers, and the cut flowers make elegant floral arrangements. Florists often supply corsages and boutonnieres made of single tuberose blossoms.
Stem Rot Disease
According to the National Horticulture Board, stem rot disease causes tuberose plants to become weak and infertile. The infection is characterized by the presence of green or brown spots on rotting leaves that eventually fall from the plant. This disease can be kept under control with use of a chemical applied to the soil that specifically targets stem rot.
Fungus Diseases
Sclerotial wilt fungus infects tuberose roots, then spreads upwards through the stem and causes leaves to become dry and turn yellow. Soil saturated with a fungicide effectively controls this disease, maintains the National Horticulture Board. Dark brown spots that initially appear on tuberose flowers during the rainy season indicate the presence of botrytis spot and blight disease. Contamination may arise on the stem and leaves of the tuberose plant. Fungicide spray curbs the spread of this disease.
