Native to Central America (mainly Mexico) where it grows wild; commercially cultivated in southern France (Grasse), Morocco, Taiwan, Egypt, India, Indonesia, and the Comoros Islands. Polianthes tuberosa is a stately perennial that grows to a height of 3 feet with long slender leaves, a tuberous root and a tall central spike topped with large, very fragrant white flowers.

Oil extraction using a solvent occurs as quickly as possible after harvest in a two step process. Giant receptacles, usually copper or stainless steel, are filled with tuberose blossoms and a solvent, most often hexane, in a manner that allows the solvent to be readily and continually in contact with each blossom. At the end of this process, the removal of the solvent by evaporation yields a waxy, aromatic mass called the concrete. The second stage of extraction is the process of washing the concrete in large amounts of alcohol. Removal of the insoluble waxy substances that separate out when the alcoholic solution is chilled is followed by removal of the alcohol via evaporation, leaving us with the beautiful aromatic plant oils known as absolutes. 

Reddish-orange or brownish-orange pasty, semi-liquid oil with an extremely sweet, heavy, honeyed, somewhat spicy floral aroma, a slightly green side note, a hint of apricot, and an almost honeysuckle- or brown sugar-like (sometimes an elusive chocolate-like) backnote. (The aroma is best appreciated when well diluted or evaluated in dry down on a scent strip.)

It is said that inhalation of Tuberose is beneficial where impotence and frigidity is indicated. When one wears Tuberose, the aroma embraces and provides protection of one’s energy and personal boundaries. In perfumery, Tuberose Absolute is considered a middle to base note of powerful tenacity and strong radiance.