Basic Introduction to Hengzhou Jasmine Flower
Hengzhou Jasmine Flower is a specialty of Hengzhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Compared with jasmine flowers from other parts of China, those from Hengzhou have the advantages of an early blooming period, a long blooming season (from April to late October), large buds, high yield, good quality, and a strong fragrance; Hengzhou Jasmine tea has tightly twisted, uniform strands, a rich aroma that is fresh and lasting, a robust flavor, tender leaves, and is resistant to brewing.
Hengzhou City has a long history of growing jasmine flowers, reportedly over 600 years. It is known for its early blooming period, long blooming season, large buds, high yield, good quality, and strong fragrance. The jasmine flower cultivation area in Hengzhou reaches 100,000 mu (approximately 6,667 hectares) with 330,000 flower farmers, producing 80,000 tons of fresh flowers annually. Hengzhou's production of fresh jasmine flowers accounts for more than 80% of China's total output and over 60% of the world's total, earning it the title of “China's Jasmine Hometown” by the State Forestry Administration and the China Flower Association.
Hengzhou City is located in southeastern Guangxi and eastern Nanning City, bordering Guigang City to the east, Lingchuan County and Pubei County to the south, Qingxiu District to the west, and Binyang County to the north. It is situated between 108°48'–109°37′ East Longitude and 22°08'–23°30′ North Latitude, covering a total area of 3,448 square kilometers. South of the Tropic of Cancer, Hengzhou has abundant water resources, with an average annual rainfall of 1,450 millimeters. The favorable climate conditions nurture a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
The thriving jasmine flower industry in Hengzhou is not only due to local planting habits but also to its unique geographical environment: Hengzhou has a typical subtropical monsoon climate with abundant rainfall and sufficient sunlight throughout the year. The soil is rich in organic matter, making it highly suitable for the growth of jasmine flowers.
Product Characteristics
Jasmine is a floral variety with significant ornamental and economic value. The Hengzhou jasmine, specifically the double-petalled type, has higher yields, stronger fragrance, and greater disease resistance compared to single-petalled and multi-petalled types. It is renowned for its early blooming period, long blooming season, large, full white buds, and rich fragrance.
Historical Folklore
The recorded history of jasmine cultivation in Hengzhou dates back more than 400 years. In 1566 (the 45th year of the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty), Wang Ji, a judge of Hengzhou, wrote in “The Mirror of Daily Inquiry in the Hall of Gentlemen,” “Jasmine is very widespread here, and some use it to weave fences, flowering all year round.”
The Ming edition of the “Hengzhou Gazetteer – Products” contains similar records. Ming Dynasty poet Chen Kui wrote a poem praising jasmine: “Transplanted from a distant land, this variety is worthy of praise, loved not just for its fragrance, which tilts even the clouds. A few blossoms in a secluded study emit a fragrant scent, transforming poetic thoughts into flowers.”
The commercial production of jasmine flowers in Hengzhou began in the late 1970s. After the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in 1978, Hengzhou Tea Factory (now restructured as “Guangxi Golden Flower tea Industry Co., Ltd.”) conducted research and decided to vigorously develop jasmine flower production based on market trends and the suitability of Hengzhou's climate for growing jasmine. They introduced double-petalled jasmine seedlings and experimented with local farmers near the county town, gradually expanding the cultivation, achieving good economic and social benefits.
Awards and Honors
In June 2006, Hengzhou City was awarded the title of “China's Jasmine Hometown” by the State Forestry Administration and the China Flower Association, also known as “China's Capital of Jasmine Flowers.”
On July 12, 2006, the original General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine approved the implementation of geographic indication product protection for “Hengzhou Jasmine Flower.”