Jasminum officinale

Jasminum officinale, also known as the common jasmine, is a species of flowering plant in the family Oleaceae. It is native to the Caucasus, northern Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Himalayas, Tajikistan, India, Nepal and western China. The plant is widely cultivated for its attractive and sweetly fragrant flowers.

Description

Jasminum officinale is a deciduous climbing plant, growing to 10–20 ft (3.0–6.1 m) tall. The leaves are opposite, pinnate with 5–9 leaflets, each leaflet 2.5–6.5 cm long, with a white underside. The flowers are produced in clusters of 3–12 together, strongly and sweetly scented, with a white corolla 2–3 cm diameter with five lobes.

Cultivation and uses

Jasminum officinale is grown for its strongly fragrant flowers. It is widely cultivated in warm temperate and subtropical regions. It is also used in the production of perfumes and cosmetics due to its strong and attractive scent. The flowers are also used to flavor jasmine tea, and in traditional medicine.

Varieties

There are several varieties of Jasminum officinale, including:

• Jasminum officinale var. grandiflorum, also known as Spanish jasmine
• Jasminum officinale var. aureum, also known as Gold Coast jasmine

In culture

In the language of flowers, jasmine symbolizes attachment and represents amiability and cheerfulness.

See also

• Jasminum sambac
• Jasminum grandiflorum
• Jasminum polyanthum

Jasminum officinale Resources
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