Plumeria (Frangipani) | San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants (2024)

Hawaiian growers produce millions of plumeria flowers annually, and most of them become colorful leis. If you’ve donned such a lei, you may have assumed the sweet-smelling plumeria is native to the Hawaiian Islands. But you’d be wrong. Although plumeria flowers have become closely associated with Hawaii’s traditional floral necklaces since the 1800s, they hail from tropical regions of the Americas—from Mexico to northern South America and islands of the Caribbean.

In their native habitat, plumerias flourish in dry scrub forests, but they have found their way to warm climates around the world—especially southern and southeastern Asia—where they grow as garden ornamentals. Also known as frangipani, plumerias are popular in landscaping because of the seemingly endless variety of the color, size, and fragrance of their blossoms.

The plumeria’s intoxicating perfume is strongest at night, when its pollinators—moths—emerge. But when a moth investigates a fragrant blossom, it goes away hungry. A plumeria’s scent comesnot from floral nectar, but from tiny structures below the flower bud. Still, a moth often probes far enough to pollinate the flower.

Plumeria (Frangipani) | San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between plumeria and frangipani? ›

Also known as frangipani, plumerias are popular in landscaping because of the seemingly endless variety of the color, size, and fragrance of their blossoms. The plumeria's intoxicating perfume is strongest at night, when its pollinators—moths—emerge.

What animals eat plumeria? ›

Common Plumeria Pests
  • Spider mites.
  • Whiteflies.
  • Thrips.
  • Scale.
  • Mealybugs.
  • Slugs.
  • Snails.
Feb 28, 2023

Is plumeria toxic to animals? ›

The frangipani (Plumeria genus) is a common attractive flowering plant found in gardens throughout Australia. The milky sap is irritating and chewing on or swallowing parts of the plant can result in gastrointestinal upset which may include irritation of the mouth, drooling, decreased appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea.

What does the frangipani symbolize? ›

Frangipani trees are known for their resilience and ability to bloom even after they have been uprooted, symbolizing resilience and renewal. This characteristic is a metaphor for life's cyclical nature, reminding us that even in the face of challenges, new beginnings and growth are possible.

Is frangipani poisonous to humans? ›

Frangipani (or Plumeria) are related to the Oleander Plant, both of which possess a poisonous milky sap, similar to that of the Euphorbia family. A cut on any part of the Frangipani tree will exude a milky, sticky sap, which is poisonous to both humans and animals.

Is frangipani poisonous to dogs? ›

Red Frangipani, known scientifically as Plumeria, harbors toxins that can wreak havoc on a dog's health. The primary concern is the milky sap found in the plant's stem and leaves, which contains a co*cktail of chemicals that can irritate a dog's mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

Is plumeria Frangipani poisonous? ›

All parts of the plumeria are considered toxic and the sap can cause a rash in sensitive people. But the alkaloids in plumerias make the plant extremely bitter and there are no definitive cases of plumeria poisoning.

What do plumerias attract? ›

Many varieties of plumeria have an intoxicating scent, especially at night. Drawn in by the enticing fragrance, sphinx moths, their natural pollinators, are frequent nighttime visitors. During the day, plumeria attract butterflies, bees and a fast-growing fan base of enthusiasts.

Is Epsom salt good for plumeria? ›

It is therefore quite necessary and can be fed to plumeria by adding 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt (MgSO4·7H2O) per gallon of water at either feeding time or watering time. The task of watering can be greatly reduced if plumeria are either planted directly in the ground or in pots sunk into flower beds.

What is the most toxic plant to animals? ›

Top 10 toxic household plants for pets
  • Oleander. ...
  • Aloe. ...
  • Chrysanthemum. ...
  • Hyacinth. ...
  • Jade plant. ...
  • Sago palm. ...
  • Daffodil. ...
  • Asparagus fern. Also known as the foxtail fern or emerald fern, these plants are often used in hanging pots due to their feathery leaves and hardy nature.

Do Plumeria attract bugs? ›

Here are some common pests that may attack Plumeria: Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci, Trialeurodes vaporariorum): Identification: Small, white, powdery-winged insects that congregate on the undersides of leaves.

Is frangipani sap poisonous to touch? ›

Frangipani's sap is not your skin's friend. Contact can lead to dermatitis, an itchy and irritating skin reaction. Kids are especially sensitive, and their skin can react more severely. If your child comes into contact with the sap, wash the affected area with soap and water.

What does plumeria mean in love? ›

Today they represent birth, love, and new beginnings! Traditionally, the plumeria can display a woman's romantic status when worn in the hair. If in a relationship, you place the flower behind the left ear; if you are willing to seek love, you place the flower behind the right ear.

What is the nickname for a frangipani? ›

Tricolour frangipani is after named Charles Plumier, and in Australia, we call them 'Fruit Salad'. They derived their name due to the colours of each petal displaying an orange appearance from a distance.

What does frangipani smell like? ›

Most people are familiar with the scent of Frangipani, a plant typically associated with Southeast Asia. Sometimes confused with Jasmine, Frangipani's fragrance is decadently sweet, floral, and evocative of other tropical scents such as coconut. It's widely used to manufacture soaps, perfumes, and essential oil blends.

Why is Plumeria called frangipani? ›

The name "frangipani" comes from a fictional 16th-century marquis of the noble Frangipani family in Italy, who created a synthetic plumeria-like perfume. Common names for plants in the genus vary widely according to region, variety, and whim, but frangipani or variations on that theme are the most common.

What do Hawaiians call frangipani? ›

Plumeria in Hawaiian is “Melia,” and the scientific name is Frangipani; this flower belongs to the family of Apocynaceae.

What is the real name for a frangipani? ›

Plumeria rubra is a deciduous plant species belonging to the genus Plumeria.

How big do frangipani Plumeria get? ›

Sometimes referred to as Plumeria, this beauty can grow as tall as 8m, with the canopy spanning as wide. Frangipani are deciduous and generally flower from December through to April. If you're thinking about growing frangipani at home, check out our top tips below.

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