Arabian jasmine

Garlands of fragrant sampaguita are sold outside every church – a symbol of purity, fidelity and simplicity.

Arabian jasmine is an evergreen, partly climbing shrub of the olive family, with glossy, oval leaves. For most of the year it bears small, star-shaped white flowers that open in the evening and give off an intense, sweet scent. It probably originates in South Asia and has been cultivated in the tropics for centuries. The flowers yield a perfume oil, and in Asia they are also used to scent tea.

Significance in the country

Sampaguita was proclaimed the national flower of the Philippines in 1934. Garlands of its buds are used to welcome guests and to adorn altars and images of saints, and street flower sellers in Manila are part of everyday Filipino life. Folk etymology derives the name from the Tagalog “sumpa kita” – “I promise you”.

Where it grows

In gardens and around homes throughout the country; plantations for the flower trade are concentrated in the provinces of Laguna, Bulacan and Pangasinan on Luzon.

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