Jasmine is a shrub of the genus Jasminum, with about 300 species, (Family: Oleaceae.), native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, and widely cultivated. The majority of species grow as climbers on other plants or on structures.
Jasmine flowers are mostly white, with some yellow flowered species. They are often sweetly and strongly scented. They are much grown for their flowers, to be enjoyed in the garden, as house plants, and for cut flowers. The flowers are worn by women in their hair in southern and southeast Asia.
Jasmine flowers are also used to make tea, which typically has a green tea base. Many types yield an oil, which is used in the production of perfumes.
Jasmine (sometimes in its original Persian form, Yasmin) is often used as a girl's name.
Jasminum is the Latinized form of the Persian name, yasmin.
World-wide, the genus Jasminum has 200 species of trailing, climbing or erect shrubs occurring mainly in eastern and southern Asia, Malaysia, Australia, Africa and southern Europe, with both evergreen and deciduous species, some preferring full sun, others shade and flower colour ranges from yellow or white to pink.
Delightful as a shrub, or as a climber trained onto a trellis or fence, or even shaped into a hedge or screen, this species of jasmine is also an extremely successful container plant, and is attractive even without flowers.