star jasmine
• noun
Any of several true jasmine species in the olive family Oleaceae—most notably Jasminum multiflorum, native to tropical Asia—cultivated as scrambling shrubs for their dense clusters of white, star-shaped blossoms.
"She planted a bush of tropical star jasmine near the patio to enjoy its bright white blooms throughout the winter months."
An evergreen woody climbing vine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) of the dogbane family Apocynaceae, native to eastern and southeastern Asia and widely cultivated for its glossy foliage and clusters of intensely fragrant, pinwheel-like, five-petaled white flowers.
"The garden trellis was covered in blooming star jasmine, filling the warm evening air with a sweet, heady perfume."
Word Nuance & Usage
Despite its common name and sweet floral scent, the widely cultivated star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) belongs to the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) rather than the true jasmine genus (Jasminum).
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Historical frequency of usage in published text.