Gelsemium

Gelsemium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Gelsemiaceae, native to warm temperate to tropical regions of the world. The genus includes approximately 200 species, with the most well-known being Gelsemium sempervirens, commonly known as yellow jessamine or Carolina jessamine. These plants are characterized by their twining vines, glossy leaves, and fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. In Hebrew, the genus is known as ג'לסמיה (Gelsemiya). In French, it is called gelsémie, while in Spanish, it is referred to as gelsemio. Gelsemium species are often cultivated for their ornamental value and are popular in gardens and landscapes. However, they are also known for their toxicity, containing alkaloids such as gelsemine and gelsemidine, which can be harmful if ingested. Despite their toxicity, some species have been used in traditional medicine for their sedative and analgesic properties.