Gelse

Gelse is a term used in various contexts, but it does not refer to a single, universally recognized subject. In botanical and horticultural writing, it is often encountered as an abbreviated or informal reference associated with the genus Gelsemium, commonly known as yellow jasmine.

The genus Gelsemium comprises several species of flowering climbers in the family Loganiaceae, native to warm regions of Asia and the Americas. Notable species include Gelsemium sempervirens and Gelsemium elegans. Plants in this genus are cultivated for their fragrant yellow flowers and glossy foliage, and they are grown ornamentally in suitable climates.

Gelsemium species are highly toxic due to alkaloids such as gelsemine and related compounds. Ingestion can cause neurologic symptoms, respiratory depression, and potentially death; accidental poisonings have occurred, and handling requires caution, especially around children and pets. Despite toxicity, some traditional medicine traditions historically used preparations from Gelsemium, but modern medical guidance strongly cautions against internal use because of the risk of severe adverse effects.

Outside botany, the term Gelse has no single dominant meaning. It may appear as a surname, a product name, or a provisional shorthand in notes, but there is no widely recognized organization or concept universally known as Gelse. The term’s exact meaning is typically inferred from context and is not standardized across disciplines.