The spelling of the botanical name "Jasminum officinale" is derived from Latin. The first word comes from the Greek word ἴασμα (íasma), meaning "healing", and the second word officinale means "of the shops" or "of the pharmacy" in Latin. The correct pronunciation would be /ˈjæzmɪnəm əˈfɪsɪˌneɪli/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word is commonly known as common jasmine or poet's jasmine and is a species of jasmine native to Iran and the Caucasus.
Jasminum officinale, commonly known as common jasmine or simply jasmine, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae. Native to the Himalayas and cultivated in many parts of the world, it is highly regarded for its fragrant blossoms and ornamental value.
This woody climbing plant features opposite, pinnate leaves with five to nine leaflets, ovate in shape and glossy green. The vine-like stems are flexible and twine around trellises, fences, or other support structures. Common jasmine produces elegant and delicate flowers that are white or creamy in color, consisting of five to nine petals. These star-shaped blooms are highly scented, releasing a sweet and captivating fragrance that intensifies at night to attract night-flying moths for pollination.
Historically, Jasminum officinale has been valued for both its medicinal and aromatic properties. The essential oil extracted from its flowers is used in perfumes, cosmetics, and soaps due to its pleasant scent. In traditional medicine practices, various parts of the plant, such as the flowers and leaves, have been utilized for their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and sedative properties.
In gardens and landscapes, common jasmine is popularly cultivated as a climbing plant or fragrant ground cover. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, in well-draining soil, and is often employed to adorn fences, walls, or pergolas. Its elegant flowers and enchanting scent make it an enticing addition to many outdoor spaces, offering a touch of beauty and sensory pleasure.
The word Jasminum is derived from the Persian word yasmin which means gift from God or fragrant flower. Officinale is derived from the Latin word officina meaning medicine or pharmacy. Therefore, Jasminum officinale translates to fragrant flower with medicinal properties.