night jessamine
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun * A West Indian evergreen shrub (Cestrum nocturnum) known for its clusters of funnel-shaped, yellow-white flowers that release a strong, sweet fragrance at night.
Usage
- The term "night jessamine" is used specifically to name this particular flowering shrub. It is a common name, and the plant is also widely known as night-blooming jasmine or lady of the night.
- It is used in botanical contexts, gardening, and general descriptions of fragrant plants.
Examples
- "The garden's most intoxicating scent comes from the night jessamine near the patio."
- "We planted a night jessamine so we could enjoy its perfume in the evening air."
- "Night jessamine () is a popular ornamental shrub in warm climates."
Advanced Usage
- The defining characteristic of this plant is its nocturnal fragrance. Descriptions often emphasize this trait: "The night jessamine lives up to its name, filling the darkness with its perfume."
- Note: All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
Variants and Related Words
- Night-blooming jasmine: A more common synonym that explicitly describes its blooming habit.
- Lady of the night: A poetic common name for the same plant.
- Cestrum nocturnum: The botanical Latin name for the species.
- Jessamine/Jasmine: While "night jessamine" is a specific plant, "jessamine" is an archaic variant of "jasmine," referring generally to various fragrant shrubs and vines in the genus. They are not the same plant.
Synonyms
- Night-blooming jasmine
- Lady of the night
- Queen of the night (Note: This name is also used for other night-blooming plants, like certain cacti, so context is important.)
Related Phrases/Idioms
- Night-bloomer: A general term for any plant whose flowers open or are most fragrant at night. The night jessamine is a classic example of a night-bloomer.
Noun
- West Indian evergreen shrub having clusters of funnel-shaped yellow-white flowers that are fragrant by night