Even if the name Plumeria obtusa L. 1753 Singapore White suggests that this is a plant, native to Asia. That`s wrong !

Plumeria (Frangipani) plants are native to Central- and South America, the Caribbean Islands and New Zealand. Nowadays the tropical plant is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical countries around the world, so in our home country Thailand. The Plumeria genus includes about 8 species, which belong to the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). The tropical plant contains a milky, poisonous sap, which may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Plumeria obtusa is one of the biggest Plumeria trees or shrubs and can reach heights of about 9 meters in a tropical climate. The highly fragrant, in-rounded, white flowers with a small yellow center get a size of about 10 cm across and are backwards curved, which makes it quite easy to identfy. Plumeria obtusa (Singapore White) is considered as the most fragrant of all Plumeria (Frangipani) flowers.

Young girls and women like to wear the flowers behind the ear and they`re added to water bowls as a fragrant eye candy. Plumeria obtusa plants require a warm to hot, humid climate and are best cultivated in full sun. The tropical plant will not tolerate freezing temperatures.

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Plumeria obtusa (Singapore White)

Plumeria (Frangipani) species and cultivars at Orchids Flowers.com: