Jasminum sambac
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| Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton |
Jasminum sambac (syn. Nyctanthes sambac) is a species of jasmine native to southern Asia, in India, Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Common names include Arabian Jasmine, Kampupot, Melati (Malay and Indonesian Language) and Sampaguita (Tagalog language), Mallipu ([Tamil]).
It is an evergreen vine or shrub reaching up to 1-3 m tall. The leaves are opposite or in whorls of three, simple (not pinnate, like most other jasmines), ovate, 4-12.5 cm long and 2-7.5 cm broad. The flowers are produced in clusters of 3-12 together, strongly scented, with a white corolla 2-3 cm diameter with 5-9 lobes. The flowers open at night, and close in the morning. The fruit is a purple-black berry 1 cm diameter.
[edit] Cultivation and uses
It is widely grown throughout the tropics as an ornamental plant for its strongly scented flowers. Numerous cultivars have been selected, including some with double flowers such as Jasminum sambac 'Duke of Tuscany'.
It is the national flower of the Philippines, adopted by the Philippine government in 1937. In the Philippines, the flowers are picked and made into necklaces and oils that are sold in stores, streets, and in churches. People in the Philippines use garlands of this flower to hang on religious images in home altars and churches.
Besides the Philippines, it is also the national flower of Indonesia, which was adopted by Indonesian government in 1990 along with Moon Orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis) and Rafflesia arnoldii. In Indonesia, the flower symbolizes purity, eternal love and nobility. It is also symbolizes the beauty of a girl. The flower commonly used in religious or cultural manner especially in Java and Bali. It is nicknamed puspa bangsa (nation flower or people flower) by the government.
In Hawaii, the flower is known as "pikake" or "pikaki," and is used to make fragrant leis.
In South India, jasmines are strung into thick strands and worn as an adornment in the hair.
[edit] References
| National symbols of the Philippines |
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| Official: National Flag | Coat of arms | Lupang Hinirang | Cariñosa | Carabao | Philippine Eagle | Milkfish | Sampaguita | Narra | Anahaw | Mango | Sipa | Barong and Baro't saya | José Rizal |
| Unofficial: Bayan Ko | Pilipinas Kong Mahal | Pearl | Blessed Virgin Mary | Juan dela Cruz |
