Gardenia

Gardenia

Some 200 species of evergreen shrubs and trees are included in this genus, which occurs in tropical and warm regions of Africa and Asia. Gardenia augusta is widely grown for its handsome foliage fragrant flowers. It was first described in traditional Chinese medicine during the Han dynasty (CE25-220), and is an ingredient in several patent remedies for feverish colds or coughs. Known as the "happiness herb" in the East, it improves liver function, which in turn releases blocked emotions. Gardenia fruit contains yellow pigments, including crocin and crocetin, as in Crocus species (See, Saffron Crocus). Gardenia is name after Dr. Alexander Garden (1730-91), a Scottish physician who corresponded with Linnaeus and lived in Charleston, South Carolina. The commmon name "Cape Jasmine" is a misnomer, caused by confusion about the origin and identity of the plant when it was first sent to England in the 1750s; it is not related to Jasminum (See, common jasmine), and it is not from South Africa.

Evergreen shrub with glossy, ovate to elliptic leaves, about 10cm (4in) long. White, waxy, strongly fragrant flowers, to 8cm (3in) across, appear in summer, followed by oblong fruits, to 2.5cm (1in) long.

Common Name:	Gardenia
Other Names:	Cape Jasmine
Botanical Name:	Gardenia augusta syn. G. florida, G. jasminoides
Genus:	Gardenia
Family:	Rubiaceae
Native Location:	S China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam.
Cultivation:	Well-drained, rich, sandy, neutral to acid soil in light or partial shade. Plants in containers need lime-free (acidic) soil mix and should be kept evenly moist, using soft water. Avoid sudden changes in temperature and cold drafts. Young plants flower more freely. Cut back after flowering to maintain a bushy habit. Plants under cover may be damaged by spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring at 19-24°C (66-75°F); by greenwood cuttings in late spring or early summer; by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
Harvest:	Fruits are collected when ripe and dried for use in decoctions.
Height:	2-12m (6-40ft)
Width:	1-3m (3-10ft) in cultivation.
Variations:	Fortuniana Has double flowers. Veitchii syn. Veitchiana Produces double flowers in winter.
Hardiness:	Z8-10
Parts Used:	Fruits (zhi zi)
Properties:	A bitter, cold, alterative herb that lowers fever and blood pressure, checks bleeding, stimulates bile flow, and promotes healing. It has anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal effects. Flowers are hemostatic, sedative, and diuretic.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for feverish illness, hepatitis, jaundice, and hemorrhage. Externally for wounds, sprains, skin inflammations, and toothache. Flowers are used internally in traditional Vietnamese medicine to control bleeding, and externally for eye problems.
Culinary Uses:	Flowers are used to flavor tea in China, Fruits are edible and yield a yellow coloring, used as a substitute for saffron.
Bibliography:	The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2005. Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 220.