Jasminum fluminense

Jasminum fluminense Vell.

Common names

Jasmine (English); kamemena (Kunda/Nyanja); chinkumba, msala-nkunzi, msankunzi, mkotomowanyono (Nyanja).

General description and distinguishing characteristics

A climbing or scrambling shrub which forms dense thickets, dark green leaves, white or yellowish white scented flowers, distinctive round fruits. Flowers in October to December; mature fruits in August.

Range and habitat

Valley riverine fringe woodland and thicket.

A very characteristic species on termite mounds in inundated areas and along water courses. Also very common in the Luangwa riparian forest where it grows as a climber festooning the tops of other species of low bushes such as Capparis.