Jasmimum polyanthum

Madagascar jasmine (Scientific name: Stephanotis floribunda) is an evergreen, climbing perennial plant belonging to the genus Stephanotis of the Apocynaceae family, native to Madagascar.
Its Japanese name is "Africa Shitakizuru", but this is rarely used. The English name is Madagascar jasmine. Other names include Stephanotis (the genus name), Madagascar jasmine, wax flower, Hawaiian wedding flower, and bridal wreath.

The vines grow to a length of 6–20 meters.
The leaves are leathery, thick, and elliptical, arranged oppositely.
In Japan, it blooms from May to September, but in its native habitat, it flowers year-round.
The flowers are waxy and fragrant. From the axils of the leaves, it produces umbel-like inflorescences bearing trumpet-shaped (tubular) flowers about 3 cm long.
The flowers are initially white but turn yellow after a few days. Along with the color change, the fragrance also changes—from a rich, strong scent to a sour one.
The fruit is ovoid in shape.
Propagation is done by cuttings and by seeds found in the rarely produced fruit.
Although it is called "jasmine," it is not related to true jasmine of the Oleaceae family.
It is used for ornamental purposes and bridal bouquets.
Unfortunately, the entire plant contains cardiac toxins, and special care is needed when handling the white sap exuded during pruning, as it contains alkaloids.

Etymology of the Flower Name
The name “Madagascar jasmine” was given due to its origin and jasmine-like fragrance.
The genus name “Stephanotis” comes from the Greek word “stephane” (crown), referring to the shape of the petals.
The species epithet “floribunda” comes from the Latin “flore” (flower) + “-ibunda” (abundant), meaning “abundant in flowers.”

Related species in the genus Stephanotis:
・Stephanotis floribunda (Madagascar jasmine)
・Jasminanthes mucronata (Shitakisou / Tongue-cutting plant)

Summary of Stephanotis floribunda (Madagascar jasmine):
Scientific name: Stephanotis floribunda
Other names: Africa Shitakizuru, Stephanotis, Madagascar jasmine, wax flower, Hawaiian wedding flower, bridal wreath
English name: Madagascar jasmine
Life form: Evergreen climbing perennial
Vine length: 6–20 m
Leaf texture: Leathery and thick
Leaf shape: Elliptical
Leaf arrangement: Opposite
Blooming season: May–September in Japan; year-round in native habitat
Flower texture: Waxy and fragrant
Inflorescence type: Umbel-like (clustered)
Flower position: Axillary
Flower shape: Trumpet-shaped (tubular flower)
Flower color: White → Yellow (after several days)
Flower length: About 3 cm
Fragrance: From rich and strong to sour
Fruit shape: Ovoid
Propagation: Cuttings, seeds
Usage: Ornamental, bridal bouquet
Note: Entire plant contains alkaloid toxins—can cause central nervous system stimulation, cardiac dysfunction, convulsions
Special note: Flowers bloom only from new shoots of the vine

Related pages
Madagascar jasmine(Stephanotis floribunda）

Random flowers

Potentilla fragarioides 'major"

Ronald Reagan Rose

Prunus mume 'Ohginagashi'

Prunus mume 'yae-kankou'

Mickey mouse plant

Rumex crispus