Ethnobotanical Study on Osmanthus fragrans

Osmanthus fragrans Lour.is one of the ten most famous flowers and a well-known ornamental flower in China.This paper introduced the literatures,characteristics of biology,history of cultivation,application in folk custom of O.fragrans from the viewpoint of ethnobotany.Some plants of Lauraceae such as Cinnamomum cassia and Laurus nobilis,are confused easily to O.fragrans.After Song Dynasty,people identified the ones with fragrant flowers as Osmanthus fragrans Lour..The culture of Osmanthus fragrans Lour.in China has a long enough history.For it symbolizing loftiness,purity,amity,auspiciousness,there are many myths and legends,poetry and lyrics about it.With abundant varieties,it is widely used in landscaping,for its functions of greening,aromatizing and beautifying.A lot of beautiful landsapes are created by matching O.fragrans.with different plants,hills and waters,and architectural items.