Natural tuberose is intoxicatingly creamy and heavy, like stepping into a humid tropical garden at dusk. Imagine the sweetness of coconut milk combined with jasmine's indolic richness, yet distinctly more voluptuous and almost buttery. There's a slight spiciness underneath—think vanilla pods and warm almond paste. Some detect a faint soapiness or even a whisper of decay, which paradoxically adds depth rather than spoiling the beauty. It's unashamedly sensual and demands attention.
Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) is native to Mexico and has been cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions for centuries. The flower blooms only at night, releasing its potent fragrance to attract nocturnal pollinators. Natural tuberose absolute is extracted through enfleurage (a labour-intensive process where fresh petals are pressed into fat) or solvent extraction, yielding a dark, viscous liquid of remarkable complexity. Its expense and intensity have made it a luxury ingredient since Victorian times, when the flower became wildly fashionable in European gardens.
Tuberose is a dominant floral note that commands centre stage rather than supporting quietly. Perfumers use it sparingly due to its intensity—a little goes remarkably far. It lends opulence and sensuality to compositions, often appearing in Oriental and Chypre fragrances. Its naturally animalic undertones create a magnetic, almost hypnotic quality.
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