Common Jasmine


Common Jasmine

A genus of about 200 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, climbers, and ramblers, distributed mainly in tropical Africa and Eurasia. Several species of jasmine have a long history of use in perfumery and medicine, and for flavoring tea. They are also popular as ornamentals for their exquisitely scented flowers. Jasminum officinale was introduced to Europe in the mid-16th century and is widely grown for the perfumery industry. The yellow-flowered J. odoratissimum and J. grandiflorum are also used. Traditionally, essential oil of jasmine was made by enfleurage, a method in which the volatile scents are taken up by odorless oils. Jasminum sambac, especially in its double forms, is sacred to Vishnu and is used in Hindu ceremonies. It is the main species used for flavoring tea; J. officinale. J. odoratissimum and J. paniculatum are also used. Good-quality jasmine tea does not necessarily contain jasmine flowers as it can be made by storing loose tea alongside the flowers for several weeks. Jasminum sambac 'Grand Duke of Tuscany' is a rare double-flowered cultivar, first established in Europe in the garden of the Grand Duke, having been imported to Pisa from Goa c.1691. Medicinal jasmines include J. angustifolium, mixed with Acorus calamus (See, sweet flag) in Ayurvedic medicine as a cure for ringworm, and J. lanceolarium stems, used in S China for rheumatic pains, injuries, boils, and abscesses. In Vietnam, the leaves of J. subtriplinerve are used after childbirth, and to treat breast abscesses, and the roots are a remedy for recurrent fever. Jasminum is from a Latinized version of the Persian Yasmin.

Vigorous, deciduous, twining climber with green stems and pinnate leaves, to 6cm (2½in) long, divided into 5-9 elliptic leaflets. Fragrant white flowers, 2cm (¾in) across, are borne in summer, followed by black berries.


Common Name:
Common Jasmine
Other Names:
Jessamine
Botanical Name:
Jasminum officinale
Genus:
Jasminum
Family:
Oleaceae
Native Location:
Himalayas, N Iran, Afghanistan, the Caucasus.
Cultivation:
Rich, well-drained soil in sun. Thin out shoots or cut back after flowering. Plants under cover may be affected by spider mite, aphids, whitefly, and mealy bugs.
Propagation:
By semi-ripe cuttings in summer; by layering in autumn. Jasminum sambac "Grand Duke of Tuscany" is difficult from cuttings.
Harvest:
Roots are lifted in autumn and dried for use in decoctions (J. sambac). Leaves are picked as required and used fresh or dried. Flowers are picked soon after opening each morning and used fresh for oil extraction, or dried for infusions, medicated oil, pastes and powders.
Varieties:
Argenteovariegatum syn Vareigatum
Has leaves vareigated cream, and gray-green; new leaves are pink-flushed.

Aureum syn. Aureovariegatum
Has yellow-variegated leaves.

f. Affine syn. Grandiflorum
Has larger flowers with pink-tinged buds.

Frojas syn. Fiona Sunrise
Has yellow foliage.
Height:
10m (30ft)
Hardiness:
Z9-11
Parts Used:
Flowers, oil.
Properties:
An aromatic, tonic, euphoric herb that relieves spasms, increases milk flow, and stimulates the uterus. It also has aphrodisiac and antiseptic effects.
Medicinal Uses:
Mainly in aromatherapy for depression, nervous tension, impotence, frigidity, menstrual disorders, respiratory disorders of nervous origins, and weak digestion.
Economic Uses:
Essential oil is used in perfumes with a floral note and in food flavorings (notably maraschino cherries).
Bibliography:
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 245-246