Jasmine

Jasmine is a common name for several species in the genus Jasminum, which belongs to the olive family, Oleaceae. They are usually shrubs or climbing plants with opposite leaves. Their flowers often have a tubular base opening into five lobes, although their shape varies among species. The flowers may be white, yellow, or sometimes pink.

Their characteristic fragrance comes from a mixture of volatile compounds released by the flowers, and both its intensity and composition can differ between species. Jasminum species occur naturally in tropical and subtropical parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe, depending on the species, and many are now cultivated elsewhere.

In nature, jasmine flowers attract various pollinators, especially insects. In some species, the scent becomes stronger in the evening or at night. After pollination, the flowers can produce fleshy fruits resembling berries, often divided into two parts.

Common jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is a climbing plant with strongly scented white flowers, while Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac), native to tropical Asia, is widely grown in warm regions. Flowers from several species are used to scent tea. In some traditional methods, fresh jasmine flowers are placed with prepared tea leaves so the leaves absorb some of their aromatic compounds. Jasmine therefore has a place in botany, gardening, perfumery, and certain food traditions.