Frangipani

Plumeria rubra L.

(with notes on P. obtusa L.)

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Apocynaceae

Explanation of name: Generic name for Charles Plumerier (1646-1704), French botanist and monk (DEH). Rubra means red.

Natural range: Central America, Caribbean (DEH)

Natural habitat: Seasonally dry areas (DEH)

Recognition: Semisucculent deciduous trees and shrubs with exceptionally thick twigs, dripping milky sap when broken. Flowers fragrant, tornado-shaped, with twisted petals, reddish, yellow, or white, depending on the cultivars.

Plumeria obtusa L. (‘Singapore’) is evergreen.

Landscape uses: Valued for perfumed, showy, colorful flowers, mostly in the summer. Propagate with large cuttings, letting them dry before sticking (PBCC).