Shiuli Nyctanthes arbor tristis

 Shiuli Flower – Biology

Scientific name: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L.

• Common name: Night-flowering jasmine or Coral jasmine
• Bengali name: Shiuli or Shefali
• Family: Oleaceae
• Genus: Nyctanthes
• Division: Angiosperms (flowering plants)
• Plant type: Small tree or shrub
• Flowering season: Late monsoon and autumn, especially in September and October.

Biological characteristics

• Leaves: Simple, opposite leaves with slightly toothed margins.
• Flowers: Small, fragrant flowers with white petals and an orange tubular centre.
• Flowering habit: Flowers usually open at night and fall by morning.
• Reproduction: Sexual reproduction occurs through flowers.
• Pollination: Insects can help pollinate the flowers.
• Fruit: A flattened, brownish capsule that typically splits into two parts.
• Seed: Seeds develop inside the fruit.

Botanical classification

Taxonomic rank	Classification
Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Angiosperms
Class	Eudicots
Order	Lamiales
Family	Oleaceae
Genus	Nyctanthes
Species	Nyctanthes arbor-tristis

Interesting fact: Shiuli is strongly associated with autumn and the Durga Puja festival in Bengal. Its fragrant flowers are commonly collected after they fall to the ground.