Question

Cestrum nocturnum belongs to the family
A. Solanaceae
B. Fabaceae
C. Asteraceae
D. Poaceae

Answer 1

The Lady of the Night is an evergreen shrub that grows to 3.5 metres high. The plant is widely cultivated, primarily as an ornamental and hedge plant, but also occasionally for its medicinal uses in the tropics and subtropics.

Complete Answer:
Within the plant family Solanaceae (the potato family), Cestrum nocturnum is a species of Cestrum. It comes from the West Indies, but has been naturalised in South Asia.

Since its white-yellow, tubular flowers bloom at night, the night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) is appropriately named; the flowers close during the day. It belongs to the family Solanaceae, sometimes referred to as the plant family of nightshades or potatoes. It is known for its fragrance and is probably the world's most scented herb.

Cestrum nocturnum is cultivated as an ornamental plant for its highly perfumed flowers at night in subtropical regions. On average, it grows best in damp, light and sandy soil, with a neutral pH of 6.6 to 7.5, and is resistant to hardiness zone 8. With a poor dilution of seaweed and fish emulsion fertilizers, nocturnum can be fertilised every two weeks.

Both members of the Solanaceae family contain solanine, an alkaloid toxin, although certain members of the Solanaceae family are routinely consumed without any adverse effects. The most widely recorded concern associated with C. Nocturnum is a fragrance that triggers respiratory problems and feverish symptoms after ingestion.

The correct Answer is option (A) Solanaceae.

Note: Outcomes of impact
- Ecosystem Services Damaged
- Shift in ecosystems/ alteration of habitats
- Forming monoculture
- Affects human well being adversely
- Affects animal welfare adversely
- Decreased tropical biodiversity
- Endangered species threat to loss/ threat to loss of Native species