Jasmine, from the genus Jasminum, includes about 200 species in the olive family, Oleaceae. These flowering plants are cultivated worldwide for their delicate beauty and intense, sweet fragrance. Found mainly in tropical and warm temperate regions of Eurasia, Africa, and Oceania, jasmine’s captivating scent is widely appreciated across cultures.
Distinctive Features of Jasmine Flowers
Jasmine flowers are small, often star-shaped blooms, about 2.5 cm in diameter. They are commonly white or yellow, sometimes reddish. Each flower has four to nine petals and can appear singly or in clusters of at least three. Growth habits vary, from erect or spreading shrubs to climbing vines that can reach significant lengths.
Its fragrance is its most notable feature, often described as rich, sweet, and intoxicating. This potent aroma is particularly pronounced at night, when many species release their most intense scent. Leaves can be evergreen or deciduous, appearing in opposing or alternating arrangements, and can be simple, trifoliate, or pinnate. This combination of visual appeal and scent makes jasmine highly valued.
Common Varieties of True Jasmine
Several Jasminum species are recognized as true jasmines, each with distinct characteristics. Jasminum officinale, common or poet’s jasmine, is a vigorous, deciduous climber with pure white, starry flowers that bloom throughout summer, releasing a strong fragrance. It is native to the Caucasus and parts of Asia.
Jasminum nudiflorum, or winter jasmine, has bright yellow, non-fragrant flowers that appear on bare stems from November to March, adding color in colder months. It typically grows as a trailing, viny shrub.
Jasminum sambac, Arabian jasmine, is an evergreen shrub or vine cultivated for its highly fragrant, waxy white flowers that can bloom year-round in suitable climates. It is culturally significant, serving as the national flower of the Philippines and one of Indonesia’s national flowers.
Jasminum multiflorum, sometimes called star jasmine, is an evergreen scrambling shrub or weak climber with white, star-shaped flowers that are mildly scented or unscented. Many plants are colloquially called “jasmine” but do not belong to the Jasminum genus, such as Cape Jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides).
Beyond the Garden: Cultural Uses of Jasmine
Jasmine flowers have diverse applications beyond ornamental gardening, across various industries and cultural practices. A prominent use is in jasmine tea production, particularly jasmine green tea. Tea leaves are scented by layering them with fresh jasmine flowers, which release their fragrance as they open, typically at night. This process can be repeated for higher grades of tea.
Jasmine’s intense aroma makes its essential oil highly valued in the fragrance industry. Species like Jasminum grandiflorum and Jasminum sambac are important for perfumery, contributing a sweet, rich, and sometimes musky note. Producing jasmine absolute, a concentrated oil, requires substantial hand-picked flowers, making it one of perfumery’s more expensive ingredients.
Jasmine holds deep cultural significance worldwide. The flowers symbolize purity, love, sensuality, and grace in many cultures. They are often used in weddings and religious ceremonies as offerings or adornments, particularly in South Asian traditions. The Philippines and Indonesia designate Jasminum sambac as their national flower, highlighting its cultural importance.