Sweet Osmanthus

(Osmanthus fragrans)

Presented by Emily Rivas

Did You Know?

Osmanthus fragrans plays an important role in Chinese methodology. There is a story of a giant named Wu Gang was sentenced by the Jade Emperor to cut down the Osmanthus tree. When he went to cut it down with an axe the tree self repaired and became a lifelong imprisonment. For mid-autumn festival it is said that the blossoms fall to earth to give the people the taste of sweet osmanthus. It showcase how deeply rooted cultural and historical signification the plant has.

Evolutionary History

Chapter Jun 2, 2026.pdf

Deep Time in History

Deep time and the history of life.pdf

Domestication

Humans began cultivating Sweet Osmanthus for over 2,500 years ago in China. In the late 18th century it was introduced to Europe. It is famous for it fragrance, a scent mixture of apricots and peaches.

Variability

Four Cultivars Group

Yingui (Albus group)

White to pale yellow flowers
Bloom in autumn

Jingui (Luteus group)

Yellow flowers
Bloom in autumn

Dangui (Aurantiacus group)

Orange/red flowers
Bloom in autumn

Sijigui (Asiaticus group)

Pale to yellow flowers
Bloom most of the year

The variability in color is determined by the accumulation carotenoids. Gene factor involved is the CCD4 gene (Carotenois Cleavge Dioxygenase 4). The reddish color from Dangui is a result of a deletion off the CCD4 gene structure.

Natural Selection

Pollinator matchmaking: The scent and color evolved to attract insect pollinators like bees.
Habitat Adaptation: Found in limestone and rocky, well drained soil. The root system is highly sufficient in unique environments.
Functional Androdioecy: Highly rare reproductive system where wild populations consist entirely of true males and hermaphrodites

Overall History, Culinary, and Medical Uses

History

Native to the Sino-Himalayan region it is one of the top ten traditional flower of China. It has been cultivated for both beautification and intense fragrance.

Culinary

Osmanthus tea is created with a mixture of green or black tea
Sweet deserts as Osmanthus cakes, rice sryup, osmanthus tangyuan and jam

Medicinal

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) sweet Osmanthus is used to reduce phlegm, irregular periods, and treat stomachaches. They are rich in antioxidants and reduce allergic airway inflammation.

References

Chen, H., Zeng, X., Yang, J., Cai, X., Shi, Y., Zheng, R., Wang, Z., Liu, J., Yi, X., Xiao, S., Fu, Q., Zou, J., & Wang, C. (2021). Whole-genome resequencing of Osmanthus fragrans provides insights into flower color evolution. Horticulture Research, 8(1), 98. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41438-021-00531-0
Li, Y., Li, X., Sylvester, S. P., Zhang, M., Wang, X., & Duan, Y. (2022). Plastid genomes reveal evolutionary shifts in elevational range and flowering time of Osmanthus (Oleaceae). Ecology and Evolution, 12(4), e8777. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8777
Qian, Y., Shan, L., Zhao, R., Tang, J., Zhang, C., Chen, M., Duan, Y., & Zhu, F. (2023). Recent Advances in Flower Color and Fragrance of Osmanthus fragrans. Forests, 14(7), 1403. https://doi.org/10.3390/f14071403
Wang, Y., Zhang, C., Dong, B., Fu, J., Hu, S., & Zhao, H. (2018). Carotenoid accumulation and its contribution to flower coloration of Osmanthus fragrans. Horticulture Research, 5(1), 71. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41438-018-0108-0
Zou, J. J., Wu, G., & Wang, Z. (2022). Osmanthus fragrans ‘Change’: A new, abundant flower cultivar. HortScience, 57(10), 1278–1279. https://doi.org/10.21273/hortsci16707-22
Osmanthus fragrans. (2024, May 15). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Osmanthus_fragrans&oldid=123456789
Gao, L. (n.d.). Asian Agricultural Research 2022, 14 (9): 1-6, 15 - Construction of China Osmanthus City and Intellectual Property - CABI Digital Library.
Hung, C. Y. (n.d.). The Ethanol Extract of Osmanthus fragrans Flowers Reduces Oxidative Stress and Allergic Airway Inflammation in an Animal Model.

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