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Cape jasmine

How to identify Cape jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides)

Cape jasmine, also known as Danh-danh, Cape jessamine

Cape jasmine presents as a mid-sized woody shrub, typically reaching 4 to 8 feet (1.2 to 2.4 meters) in both height and width. The foliage consists of glossy, dark green leaves that are noticeably veined and exhibit a wrinkled (rugose) texture. These leaves are arranged oppositely along the stems and gather in whorls at the tips of branches. One of the distinguishing features of cape jasmine is the unique structure of its buds, which appear as pinwheels or spirals, indicative of the plant's ornate flowers yet to unfurl.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Cape jasmine

1

Mid-sized woody shrub, 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters) in height and width.

2

Oppositely arranged glossy, dark green leaves with rugose texture.

3

Pinwheel or spiral buds hinting at ornate flowers.

4

Fragrant, waxy white to golden yellow flowers, 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) wide.

5

Oval fruit transitions from green to orange, offering tactile maturity clues.

Cape jasmineCape jasmineCape jasmineCape jasmineCape jasmine

Detailed Traits of Cape jasmine

Leaf Features

The leaves of cape jasmine are dark emerald green, glossy, and rugose with a lighter, duller underside. They measure 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long and are arranged in opposite or whorled patterns, often in groups of three. The leaves have an entire margin and prominently impressed pinnate veins.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Cape jasmine Leaf Arrangement image
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Flower Features

The flowers of cape jasmine are typically 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in diameter with a waxy texture. They are predominantly white to cream, aging to a golden yellow. These very fragrant, solitary flowers can be double and have subulate calyx lobes. Their intoxicating scent makes them a favorite among garden enthusiasts. Blooming in the warmer months, the flowers are approximately 8 cm (3 inches) wide, making them a striking and aromatic addition to any garden.

Cape jasmine Flower imageCape jasmine Flower image
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Stem Features

The stem of cape jasmine is woody and often exhibits a smooth to slightly rough texture. It typically appears light to medium brown in color. The thickness of the stem varies, generally ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 inches (5 to 12 mm) in diameter. The branching pattern is somewhat spiral or pinwheeling, providing a distinctive twist around the main axis. This branching pattern helps in identifying the plant by its unique arrangement and growth form.

Cape jasmine Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of cape jasmine is a small, oval-shaped capsule that undergoes a color transformation as it matures. Initially, the fruit presents a vibrant green hue, indicative of its unripe state. Over time, as it reaches ripeness, the fruit adopts a rich orange coloration. Although diminutive in size, this distinct color shift from green to orange upon maturity is a key characteristic for identification. The surface texture of the fruit provides a visual and tactile clue to its maturity, shifting from a firm, possibly glossy state when young, to perhaps a more yielding texture when ripe. Specific measurements of the fruit are not provided, but its described size and color change are important features for recognition.

Cape jasmine Fruit imageCape jasmine Fruit image
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Cape jasmine and Their Similar Plants

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Cape jasmine 'Jubilation' vs. Cape jasmine: What's The Difference?
Cape jasmine 'Jubilation' is a beautiful evergreen shrub with glossy dark green leaves and fragrant white double flowers. Its name comes from its origin in South Africa, specifically the Cape of Good Hope. The plant is also known to attract birds and butterflies.
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Cape jasmine 'Kleim's Hardy' vs. Cape jasmine: What's The Difference?
Cape jasmine 'Kleim's Hardy' is bred from the gardenia shrub, and its cultivar name honors Don Kleim of the Henderson Experimental Gardens in California and the shrub's cold resistance. It is an evergreen and semidwarf variety, prized for hardiness in resisting the cold and for its large, fragrant flowers, starlike in shape and ivory in color with golden stamens in the middle.
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Cape jasmine 'Crown Jewel' vs. Cape jasmine: What's The Difference?
Cape jasmine 'Crown Jewel' is a small evergreen shrub with beautiful fragrant double white flowers and lance-shaped dark green foliage. This cross between ‘Kleim’s Hardy’ and ‘Chuck Hayes’ gardenias was created at Oakmont Nursery in Siler City, North Carolina in 1998. They gave it a name that suggests it's worthy of being a centerpiece. Plant next to a window and allow the exquisite fragrance to waft into your living space.
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Cape jasmine 'Radicans' vs. Cape jasmine: What's The Difference?
Cape jasmine 'Radicans' (Gardenia jasminoides 'Radicans') is a miniature cultivar of Gardenia jasminoides and is favored for its dark, leathery foliage and fragrant white flowers. While heat- and drought-tolerant, cape jasmine 'Radicans' does not do well in colder climates. Otherwise, it blooms profusely throughout late spring and summer in garden beds and containers. 'Radicans' is a Latin word meaning 'to take root.'
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Key Facts About Cape jasmine

Attributes of Cape jasmine
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
90 cm to 1.8 m
Spread
60 cm to 2.5 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
10 cm
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Cream
Fruit Color
Orange
Yellow
Stem Color
Green
White
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Cape jasmine

Family
Madder
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Species
Cape jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides)
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Distribution Map of Cape jasmine

Cape jasmine is native to parts of Asia, growing along streams in areas with partial sunlight that provide protection from wind and frost. It was introduced to North Korea and South Korea.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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