E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Mistress of the Night (The).
The tuberose is so called because it emits its strongest fragrance after sunset. Sometimes, on a sultry evening, when the atmosphere is highly electrified, the fading flowers of the tuberose emit sparks of lucid flame.
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(In the language of flowers, the tuberose signifies “the pleasures of love.”)
