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National flower of the Philippines
Jasminum sambac Linn is part of the jasmine flower family. The Sampaguita is the national flower of the Philippines, adopted by its government in 1937.
In the Philippines, the flowers are gathered and strung into leis, corsages and crowns or its oils distilled and sold in stores, streets, and outside churches. The garlands may be used to welcome guests, or as an offering or adornment in religious altars. It grows as a woody vine or shrub reaching up to 1,2 meters. The plant bears a single flowers or blossom bundles at the top of her branches. The Sampaguita is blooming full-year and has white, small, dainty, star-shaped blossoms, which open at night and wilt in less than a day.
Unique however is the distinct sweet fragrance of the blossoms. It does not bear seed , so the cultivation is brought up by cuttings. The Philippines have different domestic species of jasmine growing wildly. But the Sampaguita was imported in the 17th century from Himalayan areas. Varieties of Sampaguita
There are three varieties of Sampaguita, commonly referred to as Single Petal, Double and Double-Double. The double layered Sampaguita are called 'kampupot,' which are less fragrant. The three major varieties: 'Maid of Orleans', 'Belle of India' and 'Grand Duke' - differ from each other by the shape of leaves and flowers structure. The fourth popular variety Mysore Mulli, a variation of the 'Belle of India'. Sampaguita is also used in cosmetics, culinary ingredient and even in medicine. Cut, the Sampaguita last for a few days. The flower is sold in the street in all major cities in the Philippines. Sampaguita is considered a symbol of fidelity, purity, devotion, strength and dedication.
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Sampaguita is our National Flower
| Sampaguita vendors
    
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As you say, it is sold in the streets of major cities, mostly by small children offering garlands the length of bracelets, for five pesos. The intense fragrance of the petals makes the garlands a pleasant air freshener when dangled from the rear-view mirror of a car. And if you have a malnourished and barefoot street kid selling something to a filthy-rich businessman or politician who will use it in his luxury SUV, then you can say that this flower truly reflects the character of the Philippines and eminently deserves the title of "national flower."
 |  | nick Sep 23, 2008 14:50 | |
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