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What Is Red Jasmine?
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Several different varieties of plants are commonly referred to as red jasmine. Jasminum beesianum, or rare red jasmine, is the only true red jasmine species. The others plants that are often called red jasmine include Plumeria rubra and Cestrum fasciculatum. All the plants have dark pink or red blossoms that have a sweet fragrance. In addition, the term may refer to a variety of whole grain called red jasmine rice.
Jasminum beesianum is a climbing plant that has red flowers and deciduous leaves. It can grow to heights of approximately 12 feet (3.7 m). The plant prefers full sunlight to partial sunlight and grows best if the soil drains well and is fertile. It can be grown in a cold greenhouse or outdoors, and needs some form of support, such as a wall or a trellis for climbing.
Some people believe that the flowers from the red jasmine plant can be made into a tea and consumed for health benefits. The tea encompasses a sweet fragrance from the blossoms. People who practice Chinese medicine believe that the jasmine blossoms work to improve the immune system, reduce cholesterol, increase energy, and enhance concentration. Users must make sure to use true jasmine blossoms when making the tea, as other types of "jasmine" blossoms may be toxic.
Plumeria rubra, a flowering tree that is not in the same family as jasmine, is often called red jasmine as well. As with true jasmine, it has fragrant flowers that are a deep pink or red in color. It is a familiar sight on leis and in hairpieces in Hawaii. This tropical tree can grow up to 22 feet (about 6.7 m) tall.
Cestrum fasciculatum, another non-jasmine plant, is also referred to as red jasmine. It has tubular flowers that are crimson red in color and evergreen leaves. As with actual jasmine plants, this plant emits a sweet fragrance. The plant is considered toxic, however, and no part of it should be consumed.
Red jasmine rice, on the other hand, is a special type of rice that originated in Thailand. As expected, the rice is red in color and has an almost sweet fragrance and taste. It is often used in Asian cuisine and can complement a variety of foods. For example, it goes well with poultry, seafood, and vegetable curry. It also contains protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthier choice when compared to many other grains.
Dee Saale
Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to HomeQuestionsAnswered.
Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to HomeQuestionsAnswered.
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![Jasminum beesianum, a climbing plant that has red flowers and deciduous leaves, is the only true red jasmine.]()
By: peterkaiJasminum beesianum, a climbing plant that has red flowers and deciduous leaves, is the only true red jasmine. -
![The flowers of red jasmine are sometimes used to make tea.]()
By: Igor NormannThe flowers of red jasmine are sometimes used to make tea. -
![Plumeria rubra is sometimes called red jasmine, but it is not truly a jasmine flower.]()
By: yotrakbutdaPlumeria rubra is sometimes called red jasmine, but it is not truly a jasmine flower. -
![Red jasmine rice is a type of rice that comes from Thailand and has a sweet fragrance and taste.]()
By: amenic181Red jasmine rice is a type of rice that comes from Thailand and has a sweet fragrance and taste.
Discussion Comments
@donasmrs-- There's a very good reason why red jasmine is not preferred. That's because the plant barely produces any flowers and the fragrance is so faint that you have to hold one up to your nose to get a smell. And this is the original red jasmine I'm talking about, jasminum beesianum. I'd suspect that the other "fake" red jasmines don't have a fragrance at all.
So it's not surprising that people would rather grow a variety of white jasmine. White jasmine not only produces an abundant amount of flowers, but they are also very fragrant and can be smelled from a distance.
@ZipLine-- I'm sure that at least one variety of red jasmine grows in India as the climate in that country is suitable. But I'm not sure about the popularity or which regions it is found usually.
I don't think that red jasmine is as popular as white jasmine though. That's why it's usually referred to as "rare." I don't think that this is because it has very specific growth conditions. I think that most people just prefer white jasmine.
I've read about red jasmine and have seen many pictures, but I've never had one. Its not warm enough where I am, but I do think it's a very pretty flower.
Does red jasmine grow in India?
I know that white jasmine is very common in India. Many Indian women use white jasmine as decoration in their hair. It looks lovely and of course, smells lovely too. I wonder if red jasmine grows there and if any women use red jasmine instead of white for hair decoration?
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