How Many Species of Osmanthus Are There in the Oleaceae Family? Introduction to Common Varieties

Every autumn, the fragrance of osmanthus fills the streets everywhere. Osmanthus is one of China's traditional top ten famous flowers. It can be used for ornamental purposes, landscaping, and as food. Specialty foods made with osmanthus, such as osmanthus tea and osmanthus cake, are very popular with the public. Today we will introduce to you how many species of osmanthus there are.

I. Basic Information About Osmanthus

1. Introduction to Osmanthus

Osmanthus, also known as muxi, qin, laurel, jiulixiang, and jinsu, is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the genus Osmanthus. It has been cultivated in China for more than 2,500 years. Its leaves are opposite, mostly elliptical or oblong-elliptical. It blooms in autumn, with milky white, yellow, or orange-red flowers and a fragrant scent. The drupe turns purplish-black when mature.

2. Distribution of Osmanthus

Osmanthus is native to Asia, with wild populations found in southwestern China, Taiwan, China, southern Japan, and other places. More than 20 cities, including Guilin in Guangxi, Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province, Quzhou in Zhejiang Province, Xianning in Hubei Province, and Hefei in Anhui Province, have adopted osmanthus as their city flower.

3. Growth Habits of Osmanthus

Osmanthus prefers a warm environment and is best grown in deep, well-drained, loose, fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic sandy soil. Young trees need some shade, while mature trees require relatively ample sunlight to ensure normal growth.

4. Culinary and Medicinal Benefits of Osmanthus

Osmanthus has a pungent taste and can be used medicinally. It has effects such as resolving phlegm, relieving cough, promoting salivation, and relieving toothache. Osmanthus has a long-lasting fragrance and can be used to make pastries (osmanthus cake), osmanthus tea, and candy, and can also be used to brew wine.

II. How Many Species of Osmanthus Are There?

Through long-term artificial cultivation, natural hybridization, and artificial selection, osmanthus has developed a rich diversity of cultivated varieties. The four most common main types are as follows:

1. Golden Osmanthus (Jingui)

Morphological characteristics: Golden Osmanthus is a large evergreen broad-leaved tree, reaching up to 15 m in height, with a canopy that can cover 400 sq m. The leaves are somewhat broad and large, with sparse serrations on the upper part and entire margins on the lower part. The leaf surface is smooth and glossy, dark green. The flowers are golden yellow with a rich fragrance. It blooms in autumn and is the most commonly cultivated type in various regions.

Growth habits: Strong adaptability, relatively shade-tolerant.

Landscape uses: An osmanthus variety with high ornamental, economic, and practical value.

Main varieties: Dahua Jingui, Daye Huang, Huangchuan Jingui, Wan Jingui, Yuanye Jingui, Xianning Wan Gui, Qiugui, Yuanbian Jingui, Liuye Sugui, Jinshi Gui, Boye Jingui, and others.

2. Silver Osmanthus (Yingui)

Morphological characteristics: Silver Osmanthus can reach up to 180 cm-200 cm in height. Its leaves are opposite and thinner than those of other osmanthus trees, green in color. The flowers are relatively white, appearing yellowish-white or pale yellow, with a lighter fragrance. It blooms in autumn and is generally less commonly cultivated.

Growth habits: Weakly heliophilous, prefers a warm and humid climate.

Landscape uses: Courtyard ornamental, street greening.

Main varieties: Yu Linglong, Liuye Yingui, Changye Zao Yingui, Zi Yingui, Baijie, Zao Yingui, Wan Yingui, Jiulong Gui, and others.

3. Orange Osmanthus (Dangui)

Morphological characteristics: Orange Osmanthus grows 3-5 m tall, reaching up to 18 m. Its leaves are relatively narrow and long, with an obvious caudate tip. The leaf margins have fine dense serrations or are entire. The leaves are thick and dark green. The flowers are orange-yellow or orange-red with a rich fragrance. It blooms in autumn.

Growth habits: Weakly heliophilous, prefers a warm and humid climate.

Landscape uses: Ornamental, food flavoring.

Main varieties: Dahua Dangui, Chi Dangui, Zhusha Dangui, Kuanye Hong, and others.

4. Four-Season Osmanthus (Sijigui)

Morphological characteristics: Four-Season Osmanthus, also known as Yueyue Gui, is a clumping shrub form, reaching up to 12 m in height. The bark is dark brown. The leaves are somewhat rounded and thin, with a smooth surface. The flowers are somewhat white or pale yellow with a lighter fragrance. It blooms year-round. Although the fragrance is lighter, it is quite popular among the public and is often potted for indoor display.

Growth habits: Prefers warm and humid conditions with ample sunlight.

Landscape uses: Leaves and fruit contain aromatic oils, which can be used for industrial purposes; balcony and courtyard cultivation for ornamental purposes; greening, beautification, fragrance enhancement, and air purification.

Main varieties: Changgeng Suhua, Danzhuang, Yuegui, Ai Huang, Daye Fodingzhu, Xiaoye Fodingzhu, Tianxiang Taige, Tianxiang, Zhouye Sijigui, Tiannü Sanhua, and others.

III. Differences Between Golden Osmanthus, Silver Osmanthus, Orange Osmanthus, and Four-Season Osmanthus

Osmanthus has four major cultivar groups: Golden Osmanthus, Silver Osmanthus, Orange Osmanthus, and Four-Season Osmanthus. These four differ greatly in flower color and leaves, and their prices also vary. Therefore, when purchasing, be sure to identify them clearly. See the table below for specific identification:

Conclusion: That concludes the introduction to osmanthus varieties. We hope you have gained a preliminary understanding. Remember the differences between the varieties above, and you will never be confused again.