Poet´s Jasmine, Common Jasmine, True Jasmine

Both the generic name (Jasminum) and the common name (jasmine) of this climbing vine seem to come from the Arabic y?sam?n . In the Alhambra there are seven different species of jasmine and the most abundant and well-established jasmine in andalusí gardening tradition is Poet’s Jasmine (J. officinale L.). It is an evergreen plant, native to South East Asia, Anatolia, Himalaya and Tibet, which can reach a height of 10 metres if given adequate support. In the gardens of the Alhambra and Generalife, it blooms from July to February. Its numerous and very fragrant white flowers, make it a popular plant in Mediterranean parks and gardens. It needs the support of walls or to be able to climb up trellises, railings or bars. The essential oil of its flowers is frequently used in perfumes. Most of the existing specimens in the Monument are J. officinale f. grandiflorum, which is more robust and has larger flowers, with a pink colouring on the outside of the base.