Star jasmine
Jasminum multiflorum, family Oleaceae
A white, scentless jasmine used in Indian weddings and worship
Star jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum) is a white-flowered jasmine native to South and Southeast Asia, especially India, Nepal, and Myanmar. Unlike many jasmines, its flowers have no scent. The blooms are used in Hindu worship and marriage ceremonies, and the plant is widely grown in tropical gardens.
- The flowers are pure white and have no scent
- Sacred to Vishnu in Hindu tradition
- Used in Manipuri wedding garlands
- Native to India and Southeast Asia
What does Star jasmine look like?
Star jasmine is a climbing shrub with clusters of star-shaped, pure white flowers. Each flower has several narrow petals that give it a delicate, pointed look. The plant has dark green leaves, and the white blooms stand out sharply against the foliage. Unlike most jasmines, these flowers do not have any fragrance. The buds are also white and are often compared to beautiful teeth in Indian sayings.
Where does Star jasmine come from?
Jasminum multiflorum grows wild from India through Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is native to these regions and has been widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates. The plant has also become naturalised in places like Florida, Central America, Queensland, and the West Indies. The name 'jasminum' comes from the Arabic word for sweetly scented plants, though this species is scentless.
When and how Star jasmine blooms
Star jasmine blooms in clusters throughout the year in warm climates. It grows as a shrub or climber and is often planted in gardens for its showy white flowers. The plant thrives in tropical and subtropical regions and is usually grown from cuttings or layering. It prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position.
How Star jasmine is used
In India, star jasmine is important in Hindu worship and is considered sacred to Vishnu. In Manipur, the flowers are essential in marriage ceremonies: the bride garlands the groom with two garlands made from these blooms, and the groom then gives one back to the bride. The flowers are also used in home decoration and are a symbol of purity in Indian mythology.
Kinds of Star jasmine
The sources do not mention named varieties or cultivars of Jasminum multiflorum. However, it is sometimes called by local names such as kunda or kundo in different regions. The plant is distinct from other jasmines because of its lack of scent and pure white flowers.
What Star jasmine means
Star jasmine is a symbol of whiteness and purity in Indian mythology. The phrase 'white as kunda' is used in Hindu stories instead of 'white as snow.' The flower is sacred to Vishnu and is used in religious offerings and ceremonies. In Manipur, it plays a special role in weddings. The buds are praised in poetry and sayings for their beauty.
Questions people ask about Star jasmine
Where does star jasmine come from?
Star jasmine is native to India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, and is also grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
What does star jasmine look like?
It is a climbing shrub with clusters of star-shaped, pure white flowers and dark green leaves. The blooms have several narrow petals and are scentless.
Is star jasmine fragrant?
No, unlike most other jasmines, star jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum) does not have any scent.
How is star jasmine used in ceremonies?
In Manipur, India, star jasmine flowers are used in wedding ceremonies, where the bride garlands the groom with two garlands, and the groom returns one to the bride. The flowers are also used in Hindu worship.
What does star jasmine symbolise?
In Indian mythology, star jasmine symbolises whiteness and purity. Its buds are often compared to beautiful white teeth in poetry and stories.
Good reading and sources
- USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
- Jasminum multiflorum on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Jasminum multiflorum", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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