Osmanthus (桂花) is one of the most beloved autumn flowers. It is widely planted in China, with a very long planting history of more than 2, 500 years. This famous plant even appeared in The Classic of Mountains and Seas (《山海经》). And the flowers are seen in the cities of Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Guilin as their city flower.
The name "osmanthus" comes from the Greek, word osma, meaning "sweet", and anthos, meaning"flower", Since the ancient times, osmanthus has been a symbol of good things, like peace, love and happiness.
Legend (传说) has it that there was an osmanthus tree on the moon. A man named Wu Gang was ordered to cut it down. However, the tree could grow again. Wu had to keep on cutting it again and again on the moon. The tree has been growing till now.
Osmanthus flowers between September and October, and it is when the Mid—Autumn Festival is celebrated. so osmanthus has become the best flower for people to enjoy with a full moon. It has been loved by many poets, including Li Oingzhao and Yang Wanli from the Song Dynasty, Yang wrote that the sweetness of osmanthus is so clean and rich that it's hard to believe it comes from nature and not the moon in heaven.
The Chinese people's love for osmanthus has become a part of their drinks culture. Osmanthus wine and tea are popular traditional Chinese drinks. For those who have a sweet tooth, there are many foods made from osmanthus flowers. The flowers of osmanthus can also be collected to make honey and jam.
