Chilean jessamine
Cestrum parqui
Synonyms: Cestrum parqui var. macrocalyx, Cestrum mandonii, Cestrum adelbertii, Cestrum pubens, Cestrum glaucescens, Cestrum foetidissimum, Cestrum campestre, Cestrum parqui var. longiflorum, Cestrum parqui var. glabriusculum, Cestrum spurium, Cestrum parqui var. spurinum, Cestrum virgatum, Cestrum lorentzianum, Cestrum parqui var. spurium, Cestrum plicatum, Cestrum parqui f. heterophyllum, Cestrum poeppigii, Cestrum salicifolium var. angustifolium, Cestrum parqui var. oranense, Cestrum jamaicense var. parqui, Cestrum parqui var. tomentostipes, Cestrum salicifolium, Cestrum parqui var. poeppigii
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Botanical Description
Cestrum parqui, commonly called Chilean jessamine or green cestrum, is an erect, much-branched evergreen to semi-deciduous shrub in the Solanaceae family, native to central Chile and Argentina but widely naturalised in subtropical regions. Plants reach 2 to 3 metres in height, with slender greenish young stems that become woody with age. Leaves are alternate, simple, narrowly lanceolate to elliptic, 5 to 12 centimetres long, with entire margins and a slightly unpleasant odour when crushed. The greenish-yellow flowers are tubular, 20 to 25 millimetres long, with five flaring lobes; they are borne in dense terminal and axillary panicles and emit a sweet fragrance at night that becomes acrid by day. Fruits are small ovoid berries, 6 to 10 millimetres long, ripening from green to glossy black, each enclosed at the base by the persistent calyx. The plant is well known as highly toxic to livestock and humans.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.