The Plumeria, commonly known as Frangipani, is a small tree or shrub celebrated throughout tropical and subtropical regions for its highly fragrant blossoms. Native to the Americas, including parts of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, Plumeria has been widely cultivated globally for its aesthetic appeal and intoxicating scent. It is strongly associated with warm climates and is often used in the creation of traditional leis in Pacific islands like Hawaii. This ornamental plant can grow as a large shrub or a small tree, adding a distinct tropical flair to any landscape.
The Iconic Flower
The bloom of the Plumeria is its most recognizable feature, arising in showy clusters at the tips of the branches from late spring through fall. Each flower is typically between two and four inches wide, opening from a tubular base into a five-petaled, pinwheel shape. The petals are thick and possess a waxy, almost velvety texture, adding to their visual appeal.
A wide spectrum of vibrant colors exists across the numerous varieties, including white, yellow, pink, red, and multi-colored combinations. Often, the center of the flower, or throat, displays a contrasting color, such as a brilliant yellow or orange that fades outward. The flowers are intensely aromatic, releasing a sweet fragrance with notes of jasmine, citrus, and gardenia, which is often strongest during the evening. Although the flowers are highly attractive to certain moths, they do not produce nectar, relying instead on scent to lure pollinators.
Structural Characteristics
The plant’s structure is distinct, characterized by a trunk that is often short, sometimes crooked, and covered in thin, grey or slightly greenish bark. Plumeria possesses thick, succulent branches that are brittle and have a blunt, sausage-like appearance. These branches are widely spaced and only fork after the plant flowers or experiences injury, which contributes to the tree’s open, often candelabra-like growth habit.
When a branch is broken or cut, the plant exudes a milky white latex sap. Like many members of the dogbane family, this latex contains poisonous compounds that can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, serving as a defense mechanism. The branches remain thick and relatively smooth, even on mature specimens, and are sometimes capable of photosynthesis when leaves are absent.
Foliage and Growth Pattern
Plumeria leaves are large, elongated, and leathery, typically featuring a prominent central vein. They are usually dark green and can reach lengths of up to 12 to 20 inches, depending on the variety. The leaves are not evenly distributed along the branches; instead, they cluster tightly at the blunt tips of the thick stems.
The majority of Plumeria varieties, such as those belonging to Plumeria rubra, are deciduous, meaning they shed their foliage seasonally. This leaf drop typically occurs during the cooler, drier months, signaling a period of dormancy that leaves the plant with a bare, skeletal appearance. This deciduous habit contrasts sharply with its lush, leafy appearance during the active growing and blooming season. New leaf growth and flowers emerge from the branch tips in the spring, often with the blooms appearing before the new leaves fully develop.