Jasminum officinale L.

Climbing shrub, usually evergreen, but partially deciduous in colder inland areas. Stems ± angular. Lvs opposite, pinnate, with 5–7–(9), sessile leaflets; petiole to 2 cm long. Terminal leaflet 2–6.5 × 0.8–2.4 cm, lanceolate to narrow-ovate, ± puberulent, sometimes united with a lateral leaflet; base cuneate to rounded; apex long-acuminate; lateral leaflets smaller, broader. Cymes ± terminal, with < 10 fragrant fls; pedicels slender, almost = fls. Calyx 7–10 mm long, puberulent; tube campanulate, much < teeth; teeth subulate or setose. Corolla white, sometimes tinged purple outside; tube 1.2–1.5 cm long; lobes 8–10 × 4–7 mm, elliptic, glabrous, with ± rounded, mucronulate apex. Style = corolla tube or slightly exserted. Fr. 6–7 mm diam., subglobose, black, glossy, not commonly produced; pulp purple.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Nov.–Mar.