Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton

Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) is a shrub up to 3 meters tall of the Oleaceae family, native to India, spreading to the Malay Archipelago and introduced to Java around the 3rd century. As one of Indonesia's three national flowers (Puspa Bangsa), jasmine is widely used in the perfume industry and traditional bridal decoration. In China and Java, its flowers are processed into fragrant jasmine tea.

Grows well in lowlands up to elevations of 800 m above sea level, rainfall 112-119 mm/month and gets adequate sunlight. A suitable growing environment is a hot tropical climate with good drainage.

• Root a taproot, branched.
• Stem woody, diameter between 0.5-3 cm, has branches and twigs spreading in all directions, elongated growth.
• Leaves single, short petiole, opposite, ovate to oval, pointed tip, rounded base, flat edges, pinnate venation, green to grayish-green.
• Flowers appear singly, 3-3.5 cm in diameter. Layered white corolla, fragrant aroma.
• Fruit a glossy berry and black in color surrounded by sepals.

Propagated by cuttings of hardened branches, can also be done by layering basal branches.

Alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoid, phenol, tannin, saponin, phytosterol, indole, acetate, linalcohol, benzylic, benzylic alcohol, linalyl acetate, jasmone.

Treats skin disease (ringworm, leprosy, boils), swelling from bee stings, fever, headache, has antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and aphrodisiac activity.

• Choose fresh jasmine leaves, clean off attached dirt, wash then drain.
• Cut the leaves and place on a tray then dry in the sun and cover with a thin dark-colored cloth.
• Once dry, place in a clean, tightly sealed or airtight plastic bag.

Melur (Gayo and Batak Karo), Menuh (Bali), Meulu, Riwat (Aceh), Menyuru (Banda), Manduru (Manado), Mundu (Bima and Sumbawa), Malete (Madura).