jasmine

Jasmine (Jasminum) is a genus of shrubs and vines in the Family Oleaceae, with about 200 species, native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the Old World. The majority of species grow as climbers on other plants or on structures. The leaves can be either evergreen or deciduous, and are opposite in most species; leaf shape is simple, trifoliate or pinnate with up to nine leaflets.

Jasmine flowers are white in most species, but with some species being yellow flowered. Unlike most genera in the Oleaceae which have four corolla lobes ('petals'), jasmines often have five or six lobes. They are often strongly and sweetly scented. Flowering is in spring or summer in most species, but in a few species, notably J. nudiflorum, in winter on the bare branches of this deciduous species.

The common name 'jasmine' is often given to unrelated plants with pale, sweetly-scented flowers and dark green leaves, such as Trachelospermum species (Confederate or star jasmine), Gardenia jasminoides (Cape jasmine), Cestrum nocturnum (Night blooming jasmine) and Gelsemium species (Carolina jasmine).

Cultivation and uses

Jasmines are widely cultivated for their flowers, enjoyed in the garden, as house plants, and as cut flowers. The flowers are worn by women in their hair in southern and southeast Asia. Some claim that the daily consumption of Jasmine tea is effective in preventing certain cancers. Many species also yield an essential oil which is used in the production of perfumes and incense.

Jasminum sambac flowers are also used to make tea, which typically has a green tea or Oolong base. The delicate Jasmine flower opens only at night and is plucked in the morning when the tiny petals are tightly closed. They are then stored in a cool place until night. Between six and eight in the evening, as the temperature cools, the petals begin to open. Flowers and tea are "mated" in machines that control temperature and humidity. It takes four hours or so for the tea to absorb the fragrance and flavour of the Jasmine blossoms, and for the highest grades, this process may be repeated as many as seven times. Because the tea has absorbed moisture from the flowers, it must be refired to prevent spoilage. The spent flowers may or may not be removed from the final product, as the flowers are completely dry and contain no aroma. They simply add visual appeal and are no indication of the quality of the tea.

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Jasminum sambac is also the National Flower of Indonesia, where it is known as "Melati", and the Philippines, where it is known as "Sampaguita". In Indonesia (especially the island of Java), it is the most important flower in wedding ceremonies for ethnic Indonesians. Jasminum officinale is the National Flower of Pakistan, where it is known as the "Chambeli". In Tamilnadu (southern part of India), it is called as Malligai or Malli. There are lot of varities called "Gundu Malli", "Adukku Malli", "Jathi Malli" and etc.

J. fluminense is an invasive species in Hawaii, where it is sometimes known by the inaccurate name "Brazilian Jasmine". J. dichotomum is also invasive in Florida.