The species Jasminum sambac is native to southern Asia, in India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

Sampaguita is
serving as the National Flower of for two countries - Philippines and Indonesia.. The beautiful
ornamental Sampaguita blooms cover the glossy green leafed bushed type ever bloomer. The
Sampaguita is also well known in Asia for its use in teas and religious offerings, symbolizing divine hope.

Sampaguita grow on a woody vine or semi-climbing shrub, which reaches a height of 1,2 meters. The
leaves are ovate or rounded in shape and 6 to 12 cm long. The leaves and Sampaguita flowers grow on
short stalks. The Sampaguita flowers bloom either singly or as bundles of blossoms at the top of the
branches. Blooming all through the year, Sampaguita are pure white, small, dainty, star-shaped
blossoms. The flowers open at night and wilt in less than a day. The Sampaguita flower has about 8-10
calyx teeth that are very slender, and 5 to 8 mm long. The Sampaguita's corolla tube is slender and 1 to
1.5 cm long, the limb is usually double and 1.5 to 2 cm in diameter. The 2 stamens on the Sampaguita
are included with a 2-celled ovary.

Sampaguita's distinct sweet, heady fragrance is its unique feature. The essential oil from the flowers is
similar to jasmin (Jasminum grandiflores). Sampaguita flowers do not bear seeds, therefore the plant is
cultivated by cuttings. Sampaguita was imported into the Philippines in the 17th century from Himalayan
areas. The Sampaguita is a native part of the Philippine landscape for centuries. The plant is originally
from India and is grown throughout India today. About eight cultivars are generally listed for
Sampaguita.Some varieties of Sampaguitas can grow as large as small roses in India.

Varieties of Sampaguita

There are three varieties of Sampaguita, commonly referred to as Single Petal, Double and Double-
Double. The double layered Sampaguita are called 'kampupot,' which are less fragrant. The three major
varieties: 'Maid of Orleans', 'Belle of India' and 'Grand Duke' - differ from each other by the shape of
leaves and flowers structure. The fourth popular variety Mysore Mulli, a variation of the 'Belle of India'.

Maid of Orleans: Single with five rounded petals

Belle of India:Semi-double or single (single and double flowers on the same plant) with elongated petals

Grand Duke of Tuscany: clusters of flowers (sometimes single flower). Only the central flower is truly
double-rossete. Side flowers are semi-double, and like miniature roses