Common names:
English: Starry
wild jasmine
Zulu: Imfohlafohlane
German: Jasmin
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Close up of the flower of Jasminum multipartitum
Jasminum multipartitum belongs to the plant family
Oleaceae which has a number of members that
are economically significant such as the olive (Olea
europaea) which is important for its production of fruit as well as
for the olive oil extracted from them. The ash tree (Fraxinus) produces hard tough timber.
Forsythias, lilacs, jasmines
and privets, are valued as ornamental
plants in gardens and for landscaping.
Species of jasmine are the source of an essential
oil. Their flowers are often added to tea.
Distribution
Jasminum multipartitum has a relatively small
distribution being found only in South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and
Swaziland.
In South Africa Jasminum multipartitum is found in the
Eastern Cape, the drier parts of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as in the bushveld
areas of Limpopo, northern Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
Natural Habitat
Jasminum multipartitum is found growing naturally on
rocky slopes, in woodland and in bushy scrub in a variety of soils both in full
sun as well as in semi-shade.
Description
Jasminum multipartitum is a scrambling, evergreen shrub with
bright green, shiny leaves which produces masses of large white waxy, scented,
star-shaped flowers after the first spring rain. The flowers have a delicate
perfume during the day that becomes markedly stronger in the evening and at
night. The flower buds are pink or tinted red.
The fruit consists of shiny bluish black twin berries.
There is usually one quite large seed in each berry, the dark, plum-coloured
flesh is very juicy.
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Jasminum multipartitum
Ecological significance
The flowers of Jasminum multipartitum attract insects in
particular Hawk moths which pollinate them.
The berries are eaten by birds and by people. Jasminum
multipartitum are heavily browsed by game, indigenous goats and indigenous
sheep.
The larvae of the Cambridge Vagrant Butterfly, the
Variable Prince Moth, Oleander Hawk Moth, Death's Head Hawk Moth, and King
Monkey Moth feed on Jasminum species.
Cultural uses
Jasminum multipartitum is used traditionally as a love
charm.
Other uses
Jasminum multipartitum could be used to make a herbal
tea, fragrance baths and pot-pourri. The foreign species of Jasmine are
important for their horticultural value as lovely well-known ornamentals and
popular garden plants so there is every reason to grow Jasminum multipartitum in
South African gardens. Sprigs of this jasmine are delightful in flower
arrangements as the buds open after they are picked and their scent pervades
the house.
Growing Jasminum multipartitum
Jasminum multipartitum is a shrub or weak scrambler that
will grow in a variety of soils even in very dry locations but will do best if
it is supplied with plenty of well-rooted organic material and a little
fertiliser.
If encouraged Jasminum multipartitum will climb up to 3
m, although not very strongly, and is best used as a shrub of up to 1.5 m high.
Jasminum multipartitum is medium to fast growing.
Jasminum multipartitum flowers best when growing in the
full sun in particular in years following a long dry winter so do not over
water it.
Jasminum multipartitum is able to withstand some frost
but in colder areas it will need a protected corner, generally it does best in
regions that have milder winters. Once established, it is fairly drought
tolerant.
Jasminum multipartitum takes well to pruning, either
to shape it as desired, or to curb excessive growth. This is best done after
flowering to encourage thick, compact growth.
Propagation
Jasminum multipartitum is easy to propagate by layering
which is an easy and successful option, from seed and from semi-hardwood
cuttings made in spring and summer when plants are actively growing. Cuttings
do best placed under mist with bottom heat.
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Landscaping
Jasminum multipartitum is a delightful shrub, or weak
climber which can be trained onto a trellis or fence, or even shaped into a
hedge or screen, this species of jasmine is also an extremely successful
container plant, which is attractive even without flowers. No frost free South
African landscape or garden should be without this gem of a plant.
Although there are 10 indigenous Jasmine species in South
Africa, many of which rival or exceed the exotic species for showiness and ease
of cultivation, like most of our South African plants species they are seldom
appreciated or grown here.
Michael Hickman
Landscape Design and Rehabilitation Specialist
25.19.14
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