Tree Jasmine – Millingtonia Hortensis

The jasmine tree (Millingtonia hortensis) has a number of other common names, including cork tree and nim (in Hindi), because this beautiful tree originates in Asia, and flourishes wild and through cultivation, in India. Its botanical name honors Thomas Millington, an 18th century English botanist. The tree is mainly ornamental in character, tall and graceful, reaching heights of around 80 feet, but not especially hardy, with fairly sparse, brittle branches and bark. However, regular pruning can keep the tree small if desired. The tree?s clusters of delicate, bell-shaped, silver-white flowers bloom in the spring, and again around November and December. They bloom at night and shed their flowers by morning. In India, the flowers are used in religious rituals. New pointed, oval leaves come through in the spring. The jasmine tree is a member of the Bignoniaceae family.