| Binomial |
Plumeria rubra L. |
| Family |
Apocynaceae |
| Tamil name |
நெல ஸம்பங்கி (Nela Sampangi) |
| Habit |
Soft wood, perennial, erect, semi-succulent deciduous shrub |
| Bark |
Corky stems with leaf scars, sausage shaped, thin grey bark |
| Flowers |
White to reddish pink with yellow centre, fragrant |
| Fruits |
Long brown follicles, occur in pairs, many seeded |
| Flowering period |
July to November |
| Pollinators |
Moths |
| Native to Mexico and Central America |
The name "Plumeria" is named in honour of Charles Plumier, a 17 th Century French botanist who described several tropical species. Frangipani is the national flower of Nicaragua and it features on some of their bank notes. Many Hawaiian leis (garlands) are made from frangipani flowers. They are good hosts for Dendrobium orchids. The colourful caterpillar of Pseudosphinx tetrio feeds only on the leaves of Plumeria rubra. "Warming" oils from Plumeria, is said to have a calming influence on those suffering from fear, anxiety, insomnia or tremors, according to the principles of Ayurveda. |
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