The protean Osmanthus flower, an evergreen shrub native to Asia, is celebrated for its alluring fragrance, individual taste, and vast applications in culinary and beverage. Osmanthus was oft the muse of Chinese poetry during the Tang Dynasty and is said to have been the scholar's choice of houseplant for it's symbol of prosperity and good health. According to Chinese legend, Osmanthus may have descended from the moon but was brought to Earth’s soil by a fairy, who scattered its seed during a plague that threatened the population. From mature Osmanthus shrubs, flowers bloomed and were made into a wine that cured the plague. "Unlike other flowers smelling either too delicate or too intense, osmanthus presents a floral scent that is clean enough to wash away the dust in the air and rich enough to spread over miles. It's hard to believe it comes from nature and not the moon in heaven" - Song Dynasty poet - Yang Wanli.
