Botanical Name of Jasmine

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025

The botanical name of Jasmine is Jasminum. It belongs to the olive family, Oleaceae. The genus has about 200 species of fragrant-flowered shrubs and vines, and most jasmine species are indigenous to countries with warmer climates. Jasmine flower tea is popular in countries like China. In India, it is used for both its cultural value and for home and commercial purposes.

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What is the Botanical Name of Jasmine?

The botanical name of Jasmine is Jasminum which contains more than 200 species from common jasmine to more exotic species such as the Winter Jasmine. These are native to tropical and subtropical regions among the large number of species, only three species have attained importance in commercial cultivation. Jasmine can be grown in well-drained loamy soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and it prefers mild and tropical climates. Jasmine plants can be propagated by cuttings, layering, sucker, grafting, budding and tissue culture.

Jasmine Family Name

Jasmine belongs to the family Oleaceae or the olive family. The plants of this family are usually joined at the base to form a tube and the leaves are arranged in opposite directions on the stem. The family usually comprises flowering shrubs and trees. There are about 600 species of plants under this family and most of them are economically important.

Common name of Jasmine

The common names of the different species of jasmine are:

Arabinan jasmine
Italian Jasmine
Winter jasmine
Star Jasmine
Poet's jasmine
Primrose
Cape Jasmine

Classification of Jasmine

The classification of jasmine is as follows:

Kingdom	Plantae
Class	Magnoliopsida
Phylum	Vascular Plant
Order	Lamiales
Division	Magnoliophyta
Family	Oleaceae
Genus	Jasminum

Characteristics of Jasmine

A few characteristics of Jasmine are as follows:

Jasmines (Jasminum) are mainly cultivated for the characteristic fragrance of their flowers.
It can grow upright, or climbing shrubs and vines, and it can be either deciduous or evergreen.
Jasmine leaves can have a simple, trifoliate, or pinnate structure and are borne in an opposite or alternating order.
The color of the flowers is white or yellow, occasionally a little reddish.
The flowers are usually found on the terminals of branches either alone or in cymose clusters with a minimum of three flowers.
There are about four to nine petals in each flower, two locules, and one to four ovules.
The filamented stamens are tiny and the calyx is bell-shaped.
Jasmine's fruits are berries that turn black when ripe.

Habitat of Jasmine

Jasmines usually grow in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Eurasia, Africa, Australasia, and Oceania. Diverse species are found in the regions of Southeast Asia and South Asia. They have also spread in the regions of Mediterranean Europe. The invasive species in Hawaii and Florida are Jasminum fluminense and Jasminum dichotomum (Gold Coast Jasmine).

Common Species of Jasmine

The common species of Jasmine are:

Common name	Species	Characteristics
Poet's Jasmine	Jasminum officinale	It has fragrant white flowers that are used to make jasmine perfume and is widely cultivated for its leaves and clusters of flowers bloom in summer.
Winter Jasmine	Jasminum nudiflorum	Chinese species with single yellow flowers.
Primrose	Jasminum mesnyi	It is a plant with large flowers that bloom during the winter.
Italian Jasmine	Jasminum humile	It is a vine-like shrub with yellow flowers. It has many varieties.
Arabian Jasmine	Jasminum sambac	It is used to make jasmine tea.

Uses and Health Benefits of Jasmine

Jasmine is used in various ways and offers several health benefits:

Aromatherapy and Relaxation: Jasmine is widely used in aromatherapy. The scent of the flower has calming properties and reduces stress and anxiety levels. It is mostly used in essential oils, candles, and perfumes for relaxation.
Antiseptic Properties: Certain natural chemicals in Jasmine have antiseptic properties and are used to treat minor cuts and scrapes.
Skin Care: The oil, derived from the jasmine flowers, is used in skin care products. It has moisturizing properties and can help in treating dry skin. It is also believed to have anti-aging benefits.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Jasmine tea and oil have anti-inflammatory properties, which are used in reducing inflammation-related conditions.
Mental Health Benefits: The scent of the flower improves the mood and reduces symptoms of depression. The tea of the jasmine flower is used to treat insomnia and cancer.
Digestive Health Benefits: Jasmine is rich in antioxidants and they interact with gastrointestinal enzymes facilitate better nutrient absorption and promote healthy bowel function.