What is osmanthus?

Osmanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Oleaceae (which also includes olives, jasmines, and lilacs). Native to eastern Asia, with some species found in the Caucasus, Himalayas, and Southeast Asia, they are known for their fragrant flowers and evergreen foliage.

Here's some information about Osmanthus:

• Appearance: Osmanthus species are typically evergreen shrubs or small trees, ranging in size from 2 to 12 meters tall. Their leaves are opposite, leathery, and often have serrated or spiny margins.

• Flowers: The flowers are small, usually white, but can also be yellow or orange. They are highly fragrant, with a sweet, apricot-like scent. The most common flowering time is in the autumn. These flowers are commonly associated with the concept of "fragrance".

• Fruit: The fruit is a small drupe, dark purple to black when ripe.

• Cultivation and Uses: Osmanthus are popular ornamental plants, cultivated for their attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. They are often used as hedges, screens, or specimen plants in gardens and parks. Some species are used in traditional medicine and cuisine. In Chinese culture, Osmanthus fragrans is particularly revered and its flowers are used to flavor tea, wine, and desserts. The flowers of some species, notably Osmanthus fragrans, are used to produce an "essential%20oil" used in perfumery.

• Common Species: Some well-known species include Osmanthus fragrans (sweet osmanthus), Osmanthus heterophyllus (holly osmanthus), and Osmanthus armatus.

• Symbolism: In some cultures, Osmanthus flowers symbolize love, nobility, and peace. They are often given as gifts to express these sentiments. Its usage in gifting relates to the concept of "symbolism".