Agave amica, formerly Polianthes tuberosa, the tuberose, is a perennial plant in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae, extracts of which are used as a note in perfumery. Now widely grown as an ornamental plant, the species was originally native to Mexico.
The name comes from its swollen tubers, no surprise there.
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. Marie Antoinette had a perfume made from tuberose, orange blossom, sandalwood, jasmine, iris and cedar.
Beware of too much tuberose in a perfume – it can be sickly.