Chilean jessamine (Cestrum parqui, Stirp. Nov.: 73 (1788))

Family: Solanaceae

Author: (Lam.) L’Hér.

Bibliography: Stirp. Nov.: 73 (1788)

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cestrum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Bolivia to Brazil and S. South America

Description

Chilean jessamine, scientifically known as Cestrum parqui, is a notable member of the Solanaceae family, recognized for its vibrant and aromatic presence. This enchanting plant was first documented in 1788, referred to in botanical literature as Stirp. Nov.: 73, and described by the esteemed botanist L’Hér based on initial identification by Lam.

Native to regions stretching from Bolivia to Brazil, and spanning across southern parts of South America, Chilean jessamine thrives in various climatic conditions found in these diverse geographical areas. It is renowned for its ornamental appeal, showcasing clusters of small, tubular flowers that emit a sweet, intoxicating fragrance, especially potent during the evening hours. These blossoms, typically yellow or greenish-yellow, attract various pollinators, contributing to the ecological vitality of their habitats.

Beyond its allure in gardens and natural landscapes, Cestrum parqui has found relevance in traditional practices and pharmacological studies. However, it’s worth noting that while it presents certain beneficial attributes, careful handling is advised due to its toxic properties when ingested in substantial quantities.

In summary, the Chilean jessamine stands out not only for its decorative qualities and aromatic contributions but also for its significant ecological interactions and historical botanical interest. Its presence from Bolivia through to the southern reaches of South America underscores its adaptability and enduring appeal.

Common Names

Fra: cestrum
Eng: chilean cestrum, chilean jessamine, green cestrum, green poison-berry, iodine-bush, willow-leaf-jessamine, green poison berry, willow-leaved jessamine
Afr: chileense inkbessie
Deu: chilenischer hammerstrauch
Ita: erba cappona
Spa: palqui
Por: coerana
En: Chilean jessamine, Chilean flowering jassamine, Chilean cestrum, Green cestrum, Green poison-berry, Iodine-bush, Willow-leaf-jessamine, Green Poison Berry, Willow-leaved Jessamine
Af: Chileense inkbessie
Fr: Cestrum
De: Chilenischer Hammerstrauch
It: Erba cappona
Fa: گل محبوبه شب
Pt: Coerana
Qu: Anrreswaylla
Es: Palqui
Sv: Grön nattjasmin

Synonyms

• Cestrum parqui var. macrocalyx (Francey)
• Cestrum mandonii (Rusby)
• Cestrum adelbertii (Bakh.f.)
• Cestrum pubens (Griseb.)
• Cestrum glaucescens (Sendtn.)
• Cestrum foetidissimum (Jacq.)
• Cestrum campestre (Griseb.)
• Cestrum parqui var. longiflorum (Francey)
• Cestrum parqui var. glabriusculum (Kuntze)
• Cestrum spurium (Dunal)
• Cestrum parqui var. spurinum (Dunal)
• Cestrum virgatum (Ruiz & Pav.)
• Cestrum lorentzianum (Griseb.)
• Cestrum parqui var. spurium (Dunal)
• Cestrum plicatum (Francey)
• Cestrum parqui f. heterophyllum (Kuntze)
• Cestrum poeppigii (Schltdl.)
• Cestrum salicifolium var. angustifolium (Dunal)
• Cestrum parqui var. oranense (Scolnik)
• Cestrum jamaicense var. parqui (Lam.)
• Cestrum parqui var. tomentostipes (Kuntze)
• Cestrum salicifolium (Dunal)
• Cestrum parqui var. poeppigii ((Schltr.) Dunal)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Argentina South (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Chile North (native)
• Chile South (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Juan Fernández Is. (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Lebanon-Syria (introduced)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Mozambique (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Rwanda (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by San Martin Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2021 by Miguel A. García (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2021 by Antonio A. Kusanovic Olate (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 25, 2021 by Karsim (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2020 by Didier EYCHENNE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 27, 2020 by cito el chabon (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 29, 2020 by farkat fayez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2021 by bill wharton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2020 by Frank Gary (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2020 by Stahnke Julian (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Jessy Wonder (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 24, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 21, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2021 by fabricekx (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by San Martin Maria (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 28, 2021 by carmona cristian (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2021 by Nanda Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2021 by Friedrich Petrick (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30046363-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2928792)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cestrum parqui (Lam.) L’Hér.)

Specifications

Growth