Plumeria (common name Frangipani) is a small genus of 7-8 species native to tropical and subtropical America. The genus consist of mainly deciduous shrubs and trees. P. rubra (Common Frangipani, Red Frangipani), native to Mexico, Central America, and Venezuela, produces flowers ranging from yellow to pink depending on form or cultivar. The genus is also related to the Oleander, Nerium oleander. Both are known to possess poisonous, milky sap, rather similar to that of Euphorbia.

From Mexico and Central America, the plumeria has spread to all tropical areas of the world, especially Hawai'i, where it grows so abundantly that many people think that it is indigenous there. Plumeria alba is the national flower of Nicaragua, under the local name "Sacuanjoche".

The genus, originally spelled Plumiera, is named in honor of the seventeenth-century French botanist Charles Plumier, who traveled to the New World documenting many plant and animal species. The common name "Frangipani" comes from a sixteenth-century Italian noble family, a marques of which invented a plumeria-scented perfume.

Each of the separate species bear differently shaped leaves and their form and growth habits are also distinct. The leaves of P. alba are quite narrow and corrugated, unlike any other. Leaves of P. pudica are remarkably unique with their elongated oak shape and glossy, dark green color. Pudica is also one of the rare everblooming types with non-deciduous, evergreen leaves. Another species that is winter green and bloomful is P. obtusa; though its common name is "Singapore", it is originally from Colombia.

Plumerias are easily propagated by taking a cutting of leafless stem tips in spring and allowing them to dry at the base before inserting them into soil. They are also propagated via tissue culture both from cuttings of freshly elongated stems and via aseptically germinated seed.

For more information on Plumeria / Frangipani, do visit our recommended sites:

- The Plumeria Society of America - The Plumeria Society of America (PSA) is an International organization dedicated to furthering society's knowledge of the Plumeria also know as Frangipani. The propagation, culture, classification, identification of the species and registration of Plumeria cultivators are our primary goals. The PSA is the International registration authority for Plumeria.  [Frangipani Creations is an official member of PSA]

- Frangipani DJs Way - Australias largest wholesale nursery specialising in Plumeria / Frangipani - a must see comprehensive website with lots of photos, plumeria classifications by colours, growth habits of different varieties and some other wonderful Frangipani products.