Frangipani

Plumeria rubra

Frangipani, also known as Plumeria, has sweet-smelling flowers that are often used in leis. They come in many colors and are perfect for warm places!

Habitat: Tropical regions

Appearance

The Frangipani has five-petaled, waxy flowers that come in white, yellow, pink, red, or vibrant multi-color combinations. Its strong, sweet fragrance is distinctive. It often forms a small, spreading tree or shrub with thick, succulent branches and leathery dark green leaves.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGentianalesFamilyApocynaceaeGenusPlumeria

Frangipani

Interesting facts

Frangipani flowers produce no nectar, tricking pollinators with their sweet scent alone!

In many cultures, Frangipani flowers are woven into beautiful traditional leis and garlands.

The genus name 'Plumeria' honors Charles Plumier, a 17th-century French botanist.

You can easily grow a new Frangipani plant just from a broken stem cutting!

Special abilities

Frangipani flowers release a powerful, sweet fragrance at night to attract nocturnal hawk moths for pollination.

Frangipani has milky white sap that oozes out when cut, containing toxic compounds to deter hungry herbivores.

Frangipani has thick, succulent stems and roots that store water, helping it survive dry periods.

Measurements & details

Height: 200-800 cm
Spread: 200-800 cm
Flower Size: 5-10 cm
Bloom Season: Summer to Fall, year-round in tropics
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Ello Sphinx

Erinnyis ello

Moths visit flowers for their scent

eaten by

Tetrio Sphinx Moth

Pseudosphinx tetrio

Larvae feed on Frangipani leaves

parasitizes

Frangipani Rust Fungus

Coleosporium plumeriae

Fungus causes rust spots on leaves

Traits

Shade Tolerant

Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.

Everblooming

Discover plants that seem to bloom non-stop, gracing your garden with colorful flowers throughout an extended season. They're always ready to show off!

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!