Plumeria alba

White frangipani

                                                                                

 

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Family

 

APOCYNACEAE

 

Origin

 

Tropical America

 

Description

 

 

Gorgeous tropical tree with intensely fragrant flowers used in lei's, arrangements, and for countless ornamental purposes.

Depending on its position and the nature of the soil, this plant grows either into a bush (1,5m) or as a small tree (5 to 6m), often, twisted and multibranched.

Plumeria's do well in containers and can bloom even when under a foot tall!!!

 

Habitat

 

 

Cultivated or coastal, volcanic or limestone cliffs and rocks, xerophile forest

 

Propagation

Seeds or cutting

 

Culture and care

 

Young tree grows in part shade/part sun, tree grows in full sun

It tolerates drought and see spray, is frequently found growing wild in the rocky exposed hills.

During periods of active growth, plumeria's love full sun, water, and good soil (or organic fertilizer). They grow poorly in slow-draining soils such as clay, and do not tolerate standing water. Do not over water during cooler months or during dormant season. 

Plumerias go dormant when night time temperatures go below 50 degrees. Usually they will shed their leaves when going dormant but sometimes they will just stop growing. 

Plumerias have very few insect or disease problems. Just feed and water and protect from freezing temperatures. 

 

The plumeria is unique among trees, it can be lifted from the soil in the colder months and stored in a basement, garage, greenhouse or other enclosure for the winter, replanted after the last frost, and then brought into bloom.

 

Uses 

 

Toxicity

 

 

Highly toxic plant because of its latex, its fruit is very toxic.

 

- Ornemental use

 

 

Can be planted as a single plant or in a rocky massif.

 

- Alimentary use

 

 

Flowers are edible, used for meals.

 

- Other uses

 

 

Flowers are used in perfumery and cosmetics. Its wood is used in marquetry.

 

Etymology

 

 

Plumeria comes from the name of a french botanist, Charles Plumier and Alba means white, like its flowers. 

 

Ethnology

 

Because of its ability to regenerate, a symbol of immortality, the Aztecs considered it a sacred tree and it was forbidden to pick or smell the flowers on pain of death. This symbolism followed the plant when it was introduced in other countries: its flowers are given as an offering in Buddhist temples or used to make Hawaiian hospitality necklaces.