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ANX-FLOWER-0000034

Frangipani

Plumeria rubra

Frangipani (Plumeria rubra), a small deciduous tree of the Apocynaceae family, is grown throughout the tropics for its intensely fragrant, showy flower clusters and milky, irritant sap.

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Family
Apocynaceae
Plant type
Deciduous tree
Bloom color
Pink to red (also white, yellow, and bicolor cultivars)
Bloom season
Late spring through fall in the tropics; year-round in consistently warm climates
Mature height
450-750 cm cm
Sun requirements
Full sun
Fragrance
Very fragrant flowers, historically used in perfumery since the 16th century
Native region
Mexico, Central America, and Venezuela

Growing

Growing Conditions

Water requirements
Dry to medium moisture; avoid wet or waterlogged soils, which promote root rot.
Climate requirements
Tropical to subtropical, frost-sensitive; loses leaves and stops blooming below about 10 degrees C (50F); USDA zones 10-12.
Soil types
Rich, well-drained loam; sandy well-drained mix in containers.
Propagation method
Stem cuttings, seed

Ecology

Pollinators & Toxicity

Pollinator value
Fragrance-driven pollination by hawk moths in its native range, which the flowers deceive by producing no nectar reward.
Toxicity
Mildly toxic to dogs and cats; the milky latex sap irritates skin, eyes, and the GI tract, causing drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, though it is not known to cause organ damage.

Use

Uses & Economic Importance

Uses
Lei and garland flowers, ornamental specimen tree, cut flowers, perfume and fragrance oil production
Economic importance
A significant floriculture crop in Hawaii, with over 14 million blooms sold annually for lei-making, and a source material for the perfume industry.

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