Stephanotis floribunda
A tropical vine with clusters of fragrant white, waxy flowers from Madagascar
Stephanotis floribunda is a twining evergreen vine from Madagascar, known for its glossy dark green leaves and clusters of pure white, waxy, star-shaped flowers with a strong scent. Often grown indoors or in tropical gardens, its blooms are popular in wedding bouquets and appear from spring through autumn.
- Native to Madagascar’s tropical climate
- Produces clusters of intensely scented white flowers
- Commonly used in wedding bouquets
- Rarely sets fruit when grown indoors
- Grows as a woody vine up to 6 meters long
What does Stephanotis floribunda look like?
Stephanotis floribunda is a woody vine that can reach up to 6 meters in length. Its leaves are oval, glossy, and dark green, measuring about 5 by 9 centimeters. The plant produces clusters of tubular, star-shaped flowers that are waxy and pure white, each about 3 centimeters long. These blooms are highly fragrant and appear in umbels along the stems. As the flowers age, they turn yellow and their scent becomes sour. The plant may produce large, plum-like fruits filled with many seeds, though fruiting is rare indoors.
Where does Stephanotis floribunda come from?
This species is native to Madagascar, where it grows in a climate with warm, wet summers and cooler, dry winters. It is not related to true jasmines, despite its common name. Over time, Stephanotis floribunda has become popular in tropical and subtropical gardens around the world, and is often grown as a houseplant in cooler regions. Its association with weddings and its attractive, scented flowers have made it a favorite for cultivation.
When and how Stephanotis floribunda blooms
Stephanotis floribunda blooms from spring to autumn, especially on new growth. It thrives in sunny, humid conditions and prefers soil rich in loam and peat with good drainage. In cooler climates, it is often grown indoors or in greenhouses, as it does not tolerate frost. The plant can be propagated by cuttings or from seeds, though seeds are not always produced. Regular watering and light are important for healthy flowering.
How Stephanotis floribunda is used
The vine’s white, fragrant flowers are widely used in bridal bouquets and wedding decorations, giving rise to names like 'Hawaiian wedding flower.' It is also grown as a decorative houseplant for its attractive foliage and scent. The blooms are popular gifts and are appreciated for their beauty and aroma, especially when grown indoors or in tropical gardens.
Kinds of Stephanotis floribunda
Stephanotis floribunda is sometimes called by other names, such as S. jasminoides, but refers to the same species. While there are no widely recognized cultivars, the plant’s popularity has led to its use in various floral arrangements, especially for weddings. Its close relatives in the genus Stephanotis are less commonly grown.
What Stephanotis floribunda means
Stephanotis floribunda is closely linked to weddings, symbolizing marital happiness and good fortune. Its strong fragrance and elegant appearance have made it a traditional choice for bridal bouquets in many places. The plant has been recognized for its ornamental value and is often recommended for indoor or conservatory growing in temperate regions.
Traditions that use it
Questions people ask about Stephanotis floribunda
Where does Stephanotis floribunda come from?
Stephanotis floribunda is native to Madagascar, where it grows in warm, humid conditions with distinct wet and dry seasons.
What does the flower look like?
The plant has glossy, dark green leaves and produces clusters of waxy, white, star-shaped flowers about 3 centimeters long, with a strong, sweet scent.
How is Stephanotis floribunda used?
Its fragrant white flowers are popular in bridal bouquets and wedding decorations, and the plant is also grown indoors or in tropical gardens for its attractive foliage and scent.
Is it related to true jasmine?
Despite being called 'Madagascar jasmine,' this plant is not a true jasmine and belongs to a different genus.
What does Stephanotis floribunda symbolize?
The flower is often associated with weddings and is seen as a symbol of marital happiness and good fortune.
Good reading and sources
- Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
- Stephanotis floribundaRoyal Horticultural Society, 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
- Stephanotis floribunda on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Stephanotis floribunda", 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.
Others in the family Apocynaceae
The whole family
OleanderNerium oleander
A showy, evergreen shrub with clusters of pink, white or red flowers
🇲🇦 Morocco and 8 more · Flowering shrub
Plumeria
Fragrant tropical tree with waxy, five-petaled flowers in many colours
🇲🇽 Mexico and 6 more · Flowering tree
Mandevilla
A tropical vine with large trumpet-shaped blooms in vivid colours
🇧🇷 Brazil and 2 more · Climber
Pinwheel flowerTabernaemontana divaricata
A fragrant white-flowered shrub native to South and Southeast Asia
🇲🇲 Myanmar and 2 more · Flowering shrub
More from Madagascar
All the flowers of Madagascar
Pelargonium
A diverse group of flowering plants often grown as garden and house plants
🇿🇦 South Africa and 7 more · Garden flower
Ylang-ylangCananga odorata
A tropical tree with highly fragrant yellow flowers used for perfume and decoration
🇻🇳 Vietnam and 8 more · Flowering tree
Erica
Evergreen shrubs with tiny needle leaves and nodding flowers, known as heaths or heathers
🇿🇦 South Africa and 1 more · Wildflower
Crown of thornsEuphorbia milii
A spiny flowering shrub with red, pink, or white bracts, native to Madagascar
🇲🇬 Madagascar and 5 more · Wildflower