Tuberose is a perennial plant in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae, that is native to central and southern Mexico. It is a herbaceous plant that grows from underground tubers or tuberous roots and produces offsets. The leaves are a dull green and about 1–1.5 ft (30–50 cm) long and up to 0.5 in (13 mm) wide at the base. The inflorescence is a spike, reaching up to 3 ft (1 m) high, with pure white waxy flowers. The flowers are tubular, with a tube up to 2.5 in (6 cm) long, separating into six flaring segments (tepals) at the end, and are strongly fragrant.

Tuberose is widely grown as an ornamental plant and is used in perfumery. The overwhelming fragrance of the tuberose has been distilled for use in perfumery since the 17th century, when the flower was first transported to Europe. It is a key ingredient in many perfumes and is known for its sweet, exotic, complex, velvety floral opulence. The scent of tuberose is described as dense, rich, and not sweet exactly, but very powerful. It smells distinctively tropical and summery, and is often blended with other white flowers such as jasmine, gardenia, and orange blossom.

In Victorian times, tuberose symbolized dangerous pleasures and voluptuousness, and young girls were discouraged from smelling it to prevent awakening erotic desires. Tuberose is an extrovert and boisterous flower, bringing opulence and character to a fragrance. It can also be used to give an exotic, suave, solar, carnal, or creamy scent to a perfume.