Nyctanthes arbor-tristis—commonly called the night-flowering jasmine—smells like a delicate whisper of jasmine mixed with honeysuckle, but softer and more elusive. Imagine stepping into a garden at dusk where sweet florals mingle with something slightly herbal and greenish. It's not as heady as true jasmine; rather, it carries a gentle, almost creamy sweetness reminiscent of orange blossoms with a subtle woody undertone, like smelling flowers through a thin veil of damp earth. There's an intoxicating quality that feels both fresh and mysteriously aged.
Native to South Asia, particularly India, this climbing shrub flowers exclusively at night—hence its poetic name meaning "sad tree of the night." The flowers are traditionally harvested in early morning when their scent is most potent. The fragrance is rarely extracted as an absolute today; rather, perfumers work with isolated aroma compounds or synthetic reconstructions that capture its floral-herbal character. Historically, it's been used in Indian attar production and Ayurvedic traditions, deeply embedded in South Asian cultural and spiritual practices.
Perfumers employ this note as a delicate mid-heart accord, lending sophistication without dominating. It bridges heavier florals and woody bases, introducing intrigue through its nocturnal mystery. It's favoured in niche Oriental and floral compositions for its ability to add complexity and an almost melancholic elegance—evoking contemplation rather than exuberance.
Surprising harmonies