Jasmine
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 Jasminum polyanthum
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Jasmine or Jessamine (Jasminum) is a genus of shrubs and vines in the olive 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 generally white, although some species have yellow flowers. 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.
Trachelospermum : (Confederate or star jasmine)
Gardenia jasminoides : (Cape jasmine)
Cestrum nocturnum : (Night blooming jasmine)
Gelsemium : (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 absolute which is used in the production of perfumes and incense.
Jasmine tisane is consumed in China, where it is called Jasmine flower tea (茉莉花茶; pinyin: mò lì huā chá). Jasminum sambac flowers are also used to make tea, which often has a base of green tea, but sometimes an Oolong base is used. 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. If present, they simply add visual appeal and are no indication of the quality of the tea.
Jasminum sambac is also the National Flower of Indonesia, where it is known as "Melati", and of 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 "Chameli" or "Yasmine". In Sanskrit it is called Mallika. Jasmine is cultivated at Pangala, in Karnataka, India, and exported to Middle East countries[citation needed].
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.
In Thailand, jasmine flowers are used as a symbol of the mother.
Jasmine is the meaning of the name Gelsey. Typically reserved for females, it is of English origin.
Jasminum molle
Jasminum molle, commonly known as Indian Jui, is a beautiful flower with extremely heavy gardenia type scent. This species is not very common though it deserves a special attention. For those who are familiar with this plant, Jui is a most wonderful Jasmine.
A stunning, small scandent bushy plant with simple ovate dark green small leaves and powdery satin white flowers. Possessing a strong gardenia like scent, flowers appear in bunches from summer to fall. Very easy to grow, takes both sun and shade, dry and moist conditions. Highly recommended jasmine for scented garden or as indoor plant. A must for everyone who appreciates fragrant flowers. The flower is held sacred to all forms of Goddess Devi and is used as sacred offerings during Hindu religious ceremonies.
The common names for Jasminum molle are Jui (Bengali), Juhi (Hindi), Jai (Marathi), Yuthika (Sanskrit), Uccimalligai (Tamil), Adavimalle (Telugu), Sucimulla (Malayalam) and Sanna mallige (Kannada).
Jasminum sambac
Jasminum sambac (syn. Nyctanthes sambac) is a species of jasmine native to southern Asia, in India, Philippines, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Common names include Arabian Jasmine, Mogra (Hindi), Kampupot, Melati (Malay and Indonesian Language), Sampaguita (Tagalog), and Mallipu (Tamil).
It is an evergreen vine or shrub reaching up to 1-3 m tall. The leaves are opposite or in whorls of three, simple (not pinnate, like most other jasmines), ovate, 4-12.5 cm long and 2-7.5 cm broad. The flowers are produced in clusters of 3-12 together, strongly scented, with a white corolla 2-3 cm diameter with 5-9 lobes. The flowers open at night, and close in the morning. The fruit is a purple-black berry 1 cm in diameter.
It is widely grown throughout the tropics as an ornamental plant for its strongly scented flowers. Numerous cultivars have been selected, including some with double flowers such as Jasminum sambac or 'Duke of Tuscany'.
It is the national flower of the Philippines, adopted by its government in 1937. In the Philippines, the flowers are gathered and strung into leis, corsages and crowns or its oils distilled and sold in stores, streets, and outside churches. The garlands may be used to welcome guests, or as an offering or adornment in religious altars.
Besides the Philippines, it is also the national flower of Indonesia, which was adopted by Indonesian government in 1990 along with Moon Orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis) and Rafflesia arnoldii. In Indonesia, the flower symbolizes purity, eternal love and nobility. It also symbolizes the beauty of a girl. The flower is commonly used in religious or cultural ceremony especially in Java and Bali. It is nicknamed puspa bangsa (nation flower or people flower) by the government.
In Hawaii, the flower is known as "pikake" or "pikaki," and is used to make fragrant leis. In South India, jasmines are strung into thick strands and worn as a hair adornment. In China, the flower is processed and used as the main ingredient in jasmine tea.
Selected species
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