Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Cestrum
Species: C. nocturnum
Binomial name: Cestrum nocturnum
Common names: Night jasmine, Night-scented jasmine, Night-blooming jasmine, Night-blooming cestrum, Raat ki Rani, Queen of the Night
All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested and are extremely toxic to farm animals if grazing.
Visit http://www.terrain.net.nz/friends-of-te-henui-group/plants-toxic-if-eaten-by-man.html
Cestrum nocturnum is a species of invasive plant ion the family Solanaceae (the potato family). It is native to Chile and Peru. Cestrum nocturnum has become naturalised New Zealand. It was first introduced into New Zealand as an ornamental plant but it has now been banned in New Zealand after it was listed as invasive species. It is now illegal under the Biosecurity Act to propagate, distribute or sell this plant - either casually or through nurseries - but existing plants are still allowed on private properties.
Cestrum nocturnum produces many long-lived seeds which are spread by water and soil movement, vegetation dumping and by birds. It can form many dense, clumps that smother other flora preventing the establishment of native plant seedlings.
Cestrum nocturnum is a small, erect shrub growing 1.5-2.5 m tall. The alternate leaves (5-15 x 1.5-6 cm) are foul-smelling when bruised.
During November to March, it produces diffuse clusters of pale green or greenish-white tubular flowers (15-20 mm long). Their petal margins are bent backwards. The flowers open at night and are heavily perfumed. Flowers are followed by clusters of small, white, poisonous berries that are 5-10 mm in diameter.
A shrub during daylight with flowers closed.
The open flowers at night.
A closeup of the flower.
Thanks to Wikipedia for text and information: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0
