Jasmine

Jasminum officinale

1. Identification and origin

Common jasmine (Jasminum officinale L.), belonging to the Oleaceae family, is a woody climber native to the region of Iran, Afghanistan and the Himalayas, having spread throughout the Mediterranean basin since Antiquity. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant due to the intense fragrance of its flowers and its value in the production of aromatic essences.

2. Economic importance

The species is used in ornamental gardening, perfumery, cosmetics and aromatherapy. The flowers are one of the classic raw materials of traditional perfumery, especially in the production of absolutes and essential oils. Its cultivation is relevant in countries such as India, Egypt, France and Morocco. In Portugal, it is common in gardens and pergolas, especially in regions with a Mediterranean climate.

3. Botanical characterisation

A climber or rambling shrub, of vigorous growth, capable of reaching 6–10 m in length. The leaves are opposite, pinnately compound, with 5–9 ovate leaflets. The flowers are white, very fragrant, gathered in terminal cymes, with prolonged flowering in summer. The fruit is a black berry, rare in cultivation. The root system is deep and well adapted to drained soils.

4. Soil and climate requirements

It prefers warm temperate and Mediterranean climates, with good sun exposure. It tolerates some shade, but flowers best in full sun. It requires well-drained, fertile soils, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It is sensitive to intense cold and prolonged frosts. Watering should be regular during the summer, avoiding waterlogging.

5. Main pests

• Aphids (Aphis gossypii, Myzus persicae): leaf curling and honeydew.
• Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Bemisia tabaci): sap sucking and sooty mould.
• Scale insects (Coccoidea): decline in vigour and honeydew production.
• Mites (Tetranychus urticae): chlorosis and fine webbing in dry conditions.
• Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.): root galls and reduced growth.

6. Main diseases

• Powdery mildew (Erysiphe spp.): white coating on the leaves, common in dry environments.
• Leaf spot (Alternaria spp., Cercospora spp.): irregular necrosis and premature leaf drop.
• Root rots (Phytophthora spp., Pythium spp.): wilting and death of plants in waterlogged soils.
• Botrytis (Botrytis cinerea): rots in flowers and young shoots.
• Viruses (various mosaics): deformations and reduced flowering.

7. General crop management

It includes planting in well-lit locations, training on supports (trellises, pergolas or walls), annual pruning for renewal and aeration, moderate but regular watering, balanced fertilisation and monitoring of pests and diseases. The removal of old branches and the maintenance of good air circulation are essential to prevent powdery mildew and leaf spots. Harvesting the flowers for perfumery should be done at dawn, when the aromatic content is at its maximum.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database. Jasminum officinale – pests and diseases.
• CABI Invasive Species Compendium. Jasminum officinale – datasheets.
• Brickell, C. (2016). Jasminum. In: The Royal Horticultural Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Dorling Kindersley.
• Bose, T. K., et al. (2003). Jasmine. In: Commercial Flowers. Naya Prokash.
• Weiss, E. A. (1997). Essential oil crops. In: CAB International.