Jasminum angustifolium

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS

Jasminum angustifolium (L.) Willd.

Common Name: Wild Jasmine
Family: Oleaceae
Vernacular Names: Banmallika – Hindi., Kattumalligai – Tamil., Kattumallika – Malayalam., Adavimalli – Kannada
Synonyms: Nyctanthes angustifolia L., Jasminum triflorum (Burm. F.) Pers., Nyctanthus triflora Burm. F.
Plant Description: J. angustifolium is a small climbing shrub. Stem is smooth but branchlets minutely pubescent. Oppositely arranged, simple leaves are very variable even on the same plant. Leaves are 1 – 3 cm long, 7 – 20 mm broad, elliptic – ovate. The smooth leaves are acute, base obtuse or alomost rounded. Flowers are exquisitely fragrant. Flowers are either solitary or more usually in threes. Petals 7 or 8, but can be more in number. Petals are linear, obtuse, very acute. Carpels two usually well developed.
Distribution and Habitat: J. angustifolium is native to Sri Lanka and India.It thrives in the warm, tropical climate.
Uses:
J. angustifolium has many medicinal uses such as in aromatherapy, depression, sexual desire, pain, skin conditions, cancer etc. It can be used to add fragrance to creams, lotions and perfumes.