Confederate-Jasmine, Star-Jasmine

Trachelospermum jasminoides (Lindl.) Lem.

track-el-oh-SPERM-um jazz-min-OID-ees

Apocynaceae

Explanation of name: From Greek treachelos, neck, and sperma, seed. Jasminoides indicates resemblance to Jasmine. (Trachelospermum jasminoides, in the Apocynaceae, is not a true Jasmine, which are species of the genus Jasminum in the Oleaceae. Trachelospermum has milky sap and five stamens. True Jasmines have clear sap and two stamens.)

Natural range: Tropical Asia

Recognition: Scrambling vine with opposite leaves, milky sap, and very fragrant white (or rarely yellow) flowers having twisted petals. See T. asiaticum for comparison with that similar species. ‘Variegatum’ is variegated. ‘Mandaianum’ is mentioned in BR1 as shrubby and having yellow flowers. ‘Star’ is a cultivar widely marketed in Florida.

Landscape uses: A climbing vine with abundant, fragrant flowers, useful on trellises and fences. Trachelopsermum asiaticum is a better ground cover.