What is the scientific name of the sampaguita?

The scientific name of the sampaguita flower is Jasminum sambac. This sweet-smelling tropical flower, also informally known as the Philippine jasmine and melati, is the national flower of the Philippines and one of three for Indonesia.

The species is a Southeast Asian native, found in India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. It is used as a religious offering as well as for preparing tea. The fragrance of the flower and its essential oil is comparable to jasmine, the flower Jasminum grandiflorum. The sampaguita produces small, white, star-shaped flowers year-round, growing on a woody climbing vine that reaches heights of 6 feet.