Jasmine (plant)
Jasmine is a genus of flowering shrubs and vines in the olive family, Oleaceae, known for their fragrant flowers.
Jasmine is a genus of flowering shrubs and vines in the olive family, Oleaceae, known for their fragrant flowers. The genus *Jasminum* includes about 200 species, native mainly to tropical and warm temperate regions of the Old World. Many species are cultivated as ornamentals and for perfume, tea, and other scented products.
Description
Jasmine is a genus of around 200 species of shrubs and vines. The plants are valued for their small, often star-shaped, strongly scented flowers and are commonly grown as ornamentals. Most jasmine species are fragrant-flowered shrubs or climbing vines, with flowers usually white or pale pink; some species have yellow flowers.
Distribution and habitat
Jasmine species are native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the Old World, including parts of Asia, Africa, and Oceania. They are grown in gardens and as houseplants in many regions beyond their native range.
Uses
Jasmine is cultivated for its fragrance, decorative value, and in some species for use in perfumes, soaps, and tea scenting. A few species are also grown as climbers on fences, arches, and trellises. The genus is widely planted for ornamental and aromatic purposes.
Taxonomy and naming
The botanical name for true jasmine is *Jasminum*. The word jasmine is commonly used for these species, although some unrelated plants with similar-sounding names are also called jasmine. True jasmines belong to the genus *Jasminum* in the olive family, Oleaceae.
Key facts
- True jasmines belong to the genus *Jasminum*.
- Most jasmine species are fragrant-flowered shrubs or climbing vines.
- The genus is placed in the olive family, Oleaceae.
- Jasmine species are native to tropical and some temperate parts of Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
- The flowers are commonly white or pale pink, while winter jasmine is known for yellow flowers.
- Jasmine is widely cultivated for ornamental and aromatic uses.
Jasmine is commonly grown in Canadian gardens, conservatories, and as indoor plants, especially where winter protection or greenhouse culture is available.
Frequently asked questions
What is jasmine?
How many jasmine species are there?
Where is jasmine native to?
What do jasmine flowers look like?
What is jasmine used for?
Are all plants called jasmine true jasmines?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/jasmine-plantSupports: Genus, family, approximate number of species, native range, and fruit description.
- Royal Horticultural Society — https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/jasmineSupports: Flower appearance, growth habit, and identification of true jasmines as *Jasminum*.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — https://www.kew.org/plants/common-jasmineSupports: Fragrance, cultivation history, family placement, and physical description of common jasmine.
- Chicago Botanic Garden — https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-profiles/jasmineSupports: Native range, cultivation, and indoor growing context.