Jasmine, << JAS muhn or JAZ muhn, >> is the name of hundreds of species (kinds) of flowering shrubs or vines that grow in tropical and subtropical regions. Some jasmines are deciduous and lose their leaves each autumn. Others are evergreen and remain green all year. The plants may grow upright or as a vine. The flowers are white, yellow, or pink and may be fragrant. Jasmines first grew in warm regions of the Eastern Hemisphere. Many gardeners now grow them in the southern United States.
The common white jasmine, or jessamine, is a vine with dark green leaves and white flowers. The Spanish jasmine has larger flowers tinged with red underneath. In France, botanists graft the Spanish type on the common white species. This practice results in a bushy plant with large, fragrant blossoms. Oil from this plant and from the jessamine are used in perfumes. In China, people use jasmine to scent teas.
See also Yellow jessamine .
