Jasminum multiflorum aka Star Jasmine

Jasminum multiflorum has the common name many-flowered jasmine. It belongs to Oleaceae, the olive family. Its native range spans the Indian subcontinent and reaches into Indo-China. Records list India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. They also list Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Kew places it in subtropical regions. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Jasminum pubescens is another name for the same species. The plant grows both in the wild and in gardens.

This shrub keeps its leaves all year, so it is evergreen. Its long stems scramble and twine through nearby plants for support. Useful Tropical Plants gives a height of 13 feet [4 metres]. It also lists stems that reach 16 feet [5 metres]. These sizes refer to height and stem length, not garden spread. The plant has woody growth but also climbs. The supplied account gives no more facts about its leaves or bark.

Gardeners grow this jasmine for its blooms and their scent. Useful Tropical Plants says it can bloom almost all year. This long bloom season helps make it a plant for display. So does its year-round leaf cover. The same source says insects pollinate its flowers, moving pollen between them. The supplied species accounts do not state flower colour or describe fruit. The RHS gives these facts only for the genus as a whole. They do not show which traits this species has.

Useful Tropical Plants says the plant grows best in sun. The evidence gives no frost limit or hardiness zone for this species. It sets no firm plan for watering or soil needs. Growers can use seeds or take cuttings from stems. The source lists softwood cuttings, made from young, soft growth. It also lists half-ripe cuttings, from growth that has begun to firm. Both types grow under mist. It gives no seed treatment or time for roots to form. The supplied accounts name no pests or diseases for this species.

Local people use the roots, flowers, and leaves as medicine. Reports note root use to bring on periods and treat snakebite. They note flower use to cut milk flow. People soak dried leaves to make a poultice for ulcers that heal slowly. A poultice is a dressing placed on the skin. These reports of past use do not prove the treatments are safe. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food uses or hazards. That does not mean any part is safe to eat.