Family Details of Jasmine
Jasmine comes under Family Oleaceae and its Genus is Jasminum. Unlike most genera in the Oleceae family, which have four corolla lobe petals, Jasmines often have five or six lobes.

Jasmine Buds Smell More than Flowers
Jasmine flowers are often strong and sweet scented. They are widely cultivated for their shining leaves and beautiful clusters of fragrant flowers. Flowering in Jasmines takes place in summer or spring which is usually six months after planting. The Jasmine flower releases its fragrance at night after the sun has set and especially when the moon is waxing towards fullness. Jasmine flower buds are more fragrant than its flowers.

Two Jasmines
There are two types of Jasmine - one is the true Jasmine and another is false Jasmine, and the two are commonly mistaken for each other because of the similar fragrance the plants release. The true Jasmine belongs to the family Oleaceae and is primarily a bushy shrub or a climbing vine and is non-poisonous. The True Jasmines have oval, shiny leaves and tubular, waxy-white flowers. While the False Jasmine is in a completely different genus, Gelsemium, and family Loganiaceae, which is considered quite poisonous for human consumption. This variety will have yellow flowers and tubular in shape to distinguish it from the real one.

Every part of a false Jasmine poisons dogs, cats, horses and even humans. However, true Jasmine has medicinal uses and only the flower part is poisonous. If vomiting, diarrhea, pupil dilation, hives or convulsions present themselves in a pet, immediately seek professional help. Stay calm and keep pertinent information about the pet handy.

Some Interesting Facts About Jasmine
--Jasmine shrubs reach a height of 10-15 feet, growing approximately 12-24 inches per year.
--Jasmine leaves are either evergreen or deciduous. A Jasmine leaf is arranged opposite in most species. The leaf shape is simple, trifoliate or pinnate with 5-9 leaflets, each up to two and half inches long.
--Its stems are slender, trailing, green, glabrous, angled, and almost 4-sided.
--Most of the Jasmine species bear white flowers, which are about 1 inch in size.
--The Jasmine oil, which is a very popular fragrant oil, contains benzyl acetate, terpinol, jasmone, benzyl benzoate, linalool, several alcohols, and other compounds.
--The variety Jasminium sambac, is a clustered flower of an equally strong scent known in Hawaii as the Pikake.
--The two types of Jasmine which are used for oil production are the Jasminum grandiflorum and Jasminum officinale.
--The nectar of the fragrant flowers of Carolina Jasmine, Gelsemium sempervirens, is poisonous, although its dried roots are used as a sedative in medicinal preparations.
--The Jasmine flower oil, extracted from the two species Jasminum Officinale and Grandiflorum, is used in high-grade perfumes and cosmetics, such as creams, oils, soaps, and shampoos.
--Jasmine oil is used to make hair oil fragrant and this oil has a cooling effect on head. people massage this oil in their heads.
--Jasmine flowers remove intestinal worms and are also useful in treating ulcers, vesicles, boils, skin diseases and eye disorders.

Growing Jasmine Plants
Jasmines grow well in moist, well drained, sandy loam to clayey garden soil with moderate level of fertility. It prefer a full sun to partial shade and a warm site. Jasmine bushes should be planted during June to November. Jasmine plant should be kept at least eight feet apart in order to save the later growth of the plant from jamming together. Mild fertilizer should be applied during spring. Plenty of water should be given during summer. Jasmine plants should be provided with full sunlight up to at least four hours a day. The most common species of Jasmine rise as climbers on other plants or on structures.

Origin and Other Details
Jasmine is said to have originated in the Himaalayan regions in western China and arrived to India from China. Experts suggest that the name of Jasmine is derived from the Persian word Yaasmeen, which means "God's gift". There are around 200 species of Jasmine in the world. Most of the Jasmine flowers are white, but a few species are found with yellow flower also.

In Sanskrit language Jasmine is called Mallikaa. Other popular names by which this beautiful flower is admired in India are Kundumalligai, Mongraa and Arabian name Jasmine.

Jasmine-Important Specialty
As a gift, jasmine flowers can be given in a variety of ways, and hold a variety of meanings. In China the jasmine flower is considered the ideal emblem for feminine kindness. In other areas these flowers are thought to indicate grace and delicacy, as well as sensuality and cheerfulness. They are thought to attract wealth and romantic attachments. They make a great gift for those you have a special fondness for; someone who enjoys rich floral fragrances.