Character
The Story of Star Jasmine
Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) delivers a sweet, intensely floral scent with an almost hypnotic, slightly hypnotic character. Unlike true jasmine (Jasminum), Star Jasmine belongs to the Apocynaceae family yet produces equally aromatic white flowers. The scent becomes more potent at night when the flowers release their fragrance to attract pollinators in low light.
Heritage
Despite its common name, Star Jasmine is not a true jasmine but a close relative in the Apocynaceae family, native to China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The name 'jasmine' itself derives from the Persian 'yasmin,' meaning 'a gift from God,' reflecting the flower's revered status across cultures. True jasmine has been cultivated for over 3,000 years, featuring prominently in ancient Egyptian, Greek, Persian, Indian, and Chinese traditions. In traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, jasmine preparations treated nervous conditions and digestive ailments. The flower's nightly fragrance release made it sacred in many cultures, symbolizing purity, love, and divine connection. French perfumers in Grasse began large-scale cultivation in the 18th century, cementing jasmine's role as a cornerstone of modern perfumery. Chanel's iconic No. 5 revolutionized fine fragrance in 1921 by using jasmine absolute as a dominant heart note, establishing jasmine as the signature ingredient of modern luxury.
At a Glance
7
Feature this note
China
Primary source region
Ingredient Details
Solvent extraction (hexane) yielding concrete, then ethanol washing produces absolute
Fresh flower blossoms harvested at dawn or dusk when aromatic compounds peak
Did You Know
"Star Jasmine cannot grip vertical walls on its own. Despite its woody stems, it requires support wires or trellis to climb, twining its way upward without adhesive aerial roots."
Pyramid Presence