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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical,
tropical
Vigour
:
fast growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (1800
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-6°C
SHAPE
Type
:
shrub
Height
:
2 m-3 m
Spread
:
2 m-3 m
Foliage
:
deciduous
FLOWER
Colour
:
pale green
Size
:
10 cm - 25 cm
Period
:
June - October
Smell
:
scented, strong,
gives freely of
its scent, flower,
sweet
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
berry
Fruit size
:
0.8 cm - 1 cm
This Chilean native shrub grows quickly up to 3 metres high with an equivalent width in a so-
mewhat straggly shape. The Willow Jessamine has yellow, fragrant flowers at night from summer
through to autumn. They emerge in loose clusters with a tubular shape, about 2 cm in length, and
mainly appear at the tips of the upright branches. Slender twigs are lined alternately with deci-
duous linear leaves that resemble the foliage of willows. They are shiny on top, up to 12 cm long,
and release an unpleasant smell when crushed. In Arriyadh, where it is occasionally found in
protected gardens, frost may damage the leaves and even kill the branches, but the shrubs readily
recover and even flower the same year. Pollinated by moths or butterflies, they develop into small
dark-brown, egg-shaped berries. These fruits attract birds which distribute the seeds. The plants
may become a nuisance when they invade favourable sites, and their toxic seeds may endanger
livestock such as cattle and poultry. C. parqui tolerates some shade, but does best in partial sun
with fertile soil. Irrigation in summer is necessary, while it withstands some drought in winter
after the leaves are shed. In early spring, it may be cut to the ground to renew growth which
should be aided by an application of general-purpose fertiliser. Pinching out is recommended at
any time of the year to keep a compact shape. This shrub looks good in groups and may enhance
pedestrian precincts with its fragrance.
98
Cestrum parqui,
Solanaceae
Willow Jessamine