Cestrum is a genus that belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Solanales order in the plant (plantae) kingdom. It is commonly found in the warm temperate to the tropical regions of America, such as the southernmost part of the United States to the Bio-Bio Region in central Chile. The species of this genus is also known as jessamines (which was derived from ’jasmine’, because of their flowers’s fragrance) or cestrums.
Cestrums are shrubs that grow at the height of 1-4 metres tall. A few of its species are deciduous and most are evergreen. The plant is toxic as it can cause severe gastroenteritis if eaten.
Most of its species are grown as ornamental plants because of their strongly scented flowers. Some species are invasive, such as the Cestrum parqui, commonly known as Green Cestrum that is found in Australia. This species causes severe toxicity to livestock when eaten. Cestrum laevigatum is used by the shamans (wajacas) of the Krahos (Craos) tribe in Brazil. The plant is used by the tribe to aid them in their divination like the other hallucinogenic plants that they consume. The tribe considers it as a potent entheogen that must not be taken by those uninitiated.
Caterpillars of some Lepidoptera make use of the Cestrum Species as their food; thus they become harmful to many of their predators. The Cestum aurantiacum, also known as the Orange Jessamine; Cestrum fasciculatum, also known as Red Cestrum; and Cestrum nocturnum, which is commonly called as Night Blooming Jasmine are some of the many species of the genus Cestrum that is poisonous and is only used as an ornamental plant. When attending flora related events, get exhibition stands to promote your own produce.
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