Question

Tree   Hi Susan, I would love to know what kind of tree this is.  It is growing in Santa Cruz, CA and is about 15 feet tall.  The flowers look like star jasmine and are white turning to yellow.  They even smell like jasmine.  I attached a picture.  Thank you, Laura

Answer
Hi Laura,

I believe this is a Ceylon Jasmine (Tabernaemontana Divaricata).  The French call it "Fleur d'Amour", and it is also called "Pinwheel Flower".  It is native to India and Thailand, and can be grown as a large shrub or small tree.  I've had one in Louisiana for about 10 years.  It dies back to ground level when we have hard freezes, so mine has never gotten to be more than 5 ft tall.  There are about 100 species of Tabernaemontana, several of which are used or being studied for medicinal use as pain killers, treatment for dementia, etc.  If you want one, check your local nurseries, or there are several places to purchase it online. Some cultivars have beautiful, double flowers.
Thanks,
Susan