Millingtonia hortensis
Tall, fragrant-flowered tree known as tree jasmine or Indian cork tree
Millingtonia hortensis is a tall, evergreen tree native to South and Southeast Asia, known for its white, fragrant flowers that bloom at night and fall in the morning. Grown as an ornamental tree, it is valued for its pleasant scent and graceful appearance, with its wood and bark also used for timber and cork substitutes.
- Produces fragrant white flowers that bloom at night
- Grows up to 25 metres tall and lives up to 40 years
- Wood used for timber; bark as a cork substitute
- Leaves sometimes used as tobacco substitute
- Millingtonia Avenue in Lucknow is named after this tree
What does Millingtonia hortensis look like?
Millingtonia hortensis is an evergreen tree that can reach 18 to 25 metres in height, with a spread of 7 to 11 metres. Its trunk is elongated and pyramidal, and the wood is soft and yellowish-white. The leaves are imparipinnate and resemble those of the neem tree. The tree produces large, white, tubular flowers arranged in panicles, which are strongly scented and open at night. Its fruit is a smooth, flat capsule containing broad-winged seeds.
Where does Millingtonia hortensis come from?
This tree is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The genus was named after Sir Thomas Millington, and the species name 'hortensis' refers to its association with gardens in Latin. It is the only species in its genus and is closely related to Oroxylum. The tree has adapted to a range of soils and climates, but prefers moist conditions. Its presence is noted in Indian cities such as Lucknow, where an avenue is named after it.
When and how Millingtonia hortensis blooms
Millingtonia hortensis blooms at night, with flowers that fall by morning. It thrives in moist climates and various soil types. While birds help disperse its seeds, cultivated trees are usually grown from cuttings because the seeds lose viability quickly if not sown immediately after ripening. The tree matures in 6 to 8 years and can live up to 40 years.
How Millingtonia hortensis is used
The tree is mainly grown for its ornamental value in gardens and avenues, prized for its fragrant white flowers. Its wood is used for timber, though it is brittle, and the bark serves as a substitute for cork. Leaves have been used as a cheap alternative to tobacco in cigarettes. The tree's flowers and graceful form make it a popular choice for landscaping.
Kinds of Millingtonia hortensis
Millingtonia hortensis is the only species in its genus. Its closest relative is the genus Oroxylum. There are no notable cultivars or varieties mentioned in the sources.
What Millingtonia hortensis means
The tree is recognized for its ornamental and fragrant qualities, and its name is commemorated in places such as Millingtonia Avenue in Lucknow, India. Its flowers are appreciated for their scent and beauty, and the tree is sometimes used as a city emblem. There are no specific symbolic meanings or religious associations noted in the sources.
Questions people ask about Millingtonia hortensis
Where does Millingtonia hortensis come from?
Millingtonia hortensis is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, and is grown in places like India. It adapts to various soils and climates but prefers moist conditions.
What does the tree jasmine look like?
It is a tall evergreen tree with a pyramidal trunk, neem-like leaves, and large, white, tubular flowers arranged in panicles. The flowers are strongly scented and bloom at night.
How is Millingtonia hortensis used?
It is mainly grown as an ornamental tree for its fragrant flowers. Its wood is used for timber, bark as a cork substitute, and leaves have been used as a tobacco alternative.
Does Millingtonia hortensis have any special cultural significance?
The tree is valued for its ornamental and fragrant qualities. In Lucknow, India, an avenue is named after it, but there are no specific symbolic or religious associations noted.
How is Millingtonia hortensis propagated?
While birds disperse its seeds in the wild, cultivated trees are usually grown from cuttings because the seeds quickly lose viability if not sown immediately after ripening.
Good reading and sources
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Millingtonia", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
Others in the family Bignoniaceae
The whole family
Pink trumpet-treeTabebuia rosea
A tall tree with pink to purple trumpet-shaped flowers, seen in parks and streets
🇲🇽 Mexico and 5 more · Flowering tree
Tabebuia
Tropical trees and shrubs grown for their large, showy blossoms
🇨🇺 Cuba and 5 more · Flowering tree
Tecoma
Shrubs or small trees with trumpet-shaped flowers from the Americas
🇺🇸 United States and 3 more · Flowering shrub
Southern catalpaCatalpa bignonioides
A fast-growing American tree with showy white trumpet flowers
🇺🇸 United States · Flowering tree
More from India
All the flowers of India
PeachPrunus persica
A flowering fruit tree from China, grown for its pink blossoms and sweet fruit
🇨🇳 China and 7 more · Flowering tree
PomegranatePunica granatum
A shrub with bright red flowers and a fruit full of edible seeds
🇮🇷 Iran and 9 more · Flowering shrub
TulipTulipa
Spring-blooming bulbs with showy, cup-shaped flowers in many colours
🇳🇱 Netherlands and 7 more · Wildflower
FennelFoeniculum vulgare
A tall, aromatic herb with feathery leaves and yellow umbels, used for food and spice
🇨🇳 China and 7 more · Herb or useful flower