JASMINE

Jasmine:-
or Jessamine ,Jasminum from Persian yasmin, i.e. "gift from God"[4][5], via Arabic[6]) is a genus of shrubs and vines in the olive family (Oleaceae),with about 200 species, native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the Old World. The majority of species grow as climbers on other plants or on structures such as chicken wire, gates or fences. The leaves can be either evergreen (green all year round) or deciduous (falling leaves in autumn), and are opposite in most species; leaf shape is simple, trifoliate or pinnate with up to nine leaflets.


Description:-:
Jasmine flowers are generally white, although some species have yellow flowers. Unlike most genera in the Oleaceae which have four corolla lobes ("petals"), jasmines often have five or six lobes. They are often strongly and sweetly scented. Flowering is in spring or summer in most species, but in a few species, notably J. nudiflorum, in winter on the bare branches of this deciduous species.


Cultural importance and other information:-
The Jasmine is the National Flower of the following countries:
The Philippines, where it is known as "Sampaguita", and is usually strung on garlands which are then used to adorn religious images.
Indonesia, where the variety Jasminum sambac is the "puspa bangsa" (National Flower), and goes by the name "Melati", In the country, especially the island of Java, it is the most important flower in wedding ceremonies for ethnic Indonesians.
Pakistan, where Jasminum officinale is known as the "Chambeli" or "Yasmine" is the national flower.