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Jasmine Facts

Jasmine Facts
Jasmine is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the family of olives. There are around 200 species of jasmine that can be found in warm, tropical areas around the world. Nearly all species of jasmine originate from South and Southeast Asia, certain types are native to Africa, and only one species originates from Europe. Jasmine grows in sunny areas, on a fertile, well-drained soil. Beautiful, fragrant flowers and ornamental leaves of jasmine are used mainly in decorative purposes. Other than that, jasmine has application in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry and for a treatment of various disorders in folk medicine. Jasmine is also popular and widely consumed in the form of tea. Some types of jasmine are classified as invasive species due to ability to quickly conquer new habitats and eliminate native species of plants.
Interesting Jasmine Facts:
Jasmine usually grows in the form of 10 to 15 feet tall shrub. Some types of jasmine grow as evergreen vines that can reach 25 feet in height by attaching to the nearby structures.
Jasmine develops green, smooth stem that is slender and nearly square-shaped on the cross-section.
Jasmine produces deciduous or evergreen leaves, depending on the species. Leaves can be simple, pinnate or trifoliate. They are arranged alternately or opposite on the branches.
Most types of jasmine develop white, waxy flowers (occasionally yellow or pinkish), that are bell-shaped. Flowers are usually gathered in clusters. Individual blooms can be seen in some types of jasmine.
Jasmine produces fragrant flowers during the spring and summer. Smell is especially strong during the night because drop in temperature (at the end of a day) triggers opening of flowers.
Flowers of jasmine contain both types of reproductive organs. Since pistil and stamens do not develop at the same time, flowers cannot perform self-pollination. Butterflies and bees are main pollinators of jasmine.
After successful pollination, flowers transform into black berries (fruit of jasmine).
Essential oils extracted from jasmine have application in the industry of perfumes and cosmetics. They are used in the manufacture of soap, lotions, shampoos and creams.
Scent of jasmine produces calming and relaxing effect and has sedative properties.
Dried flowers of jasmine are used for the preparation of jasmine tea. Blend of jasmine and green tea is very popular and often consumed type of tea in Asia.
Syrup made of jasmine flowers is used as flavoring agent in the food industry.
Jasmine is used to relieve tension and headache. It can alleviate symptoms of the PMS, relax uterine muscles and facilitate childbirth by decreasing pain associated with labor.
Jasmine is used in treatment of fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers and depression.
Jasmine symbolizes happiness, deep affection and elegance in China.
Jasmine can survive 15 to 20 years in the wild.


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