Frangipani

Scientific name: Plumeria rubra

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 56.58″ N, 64° 49′ 51.69″ W

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Observations:

Phenological Markers – Plumeria rubra

Common Name: Frangipani, Red Plumeria
Scientific Name: Plumeria rubra L.
Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)

Leaf Phenology

Leaf Type: Large, simple, lanceolate leaves with prominent midveins
Evergreen/Semi-deciduous: Deciduous in dry or cooler seasons; semi-evergreen in tropical, consistently moist conditions
Leaf Flush: New leaves emerge in early spring as temperatures warm, often in conjunction with flowering
Senescence: Leaves yellow and drop in late fall or during extended droughts
Phenological Indicator: Rapid flush of large green leaves in early spring, often just before or during flowering

Flowering

Inflorescence: Terminal clusters (umbels) of fragrant, five-petaled flowers in shades of red, pink, white, or yellow
Blooming Period (Tropics): Spring through fall, often peaking in late spring to summer
Pollinators: Attracts moths, butterflies, and other insects
Phenological Indicator: Clusters of brightly colored, strongly scented flowers emerging at branch tips, sometimes before full leaf-out

Fruiting

Fruit Type: Paired, elongated follicles (rare in cultivation; many plants do not set seed)
Fruit Development: When present, fruits develop slowly and may take several months to mature
Dispersal: Wind dispersal of seeds from dehiscent follicles
Phenological Indicator: Long, horn-shaped seed pods developing at the tips of flowering branches (infrequent)

Suggested Photo Angles

  • Full tree or shrub in context, showing form and branching habit
  • Close-up of leaf structure and venation
  • Terminal flowering clusters with a variety of flower colors
  • Rarely, developing fruits or seed pods (if present)
  • Leaf flush in spring or full leaf drop in dry season

Notes for Monitoring

In seasonal climates, monitor the timing of leaf drop and regrowth in relation to rainfall and temperature changes

Flowering is strongly seasonal and may be stimulated by dry-to-wet seasonal transitions

Plumeria rubra is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun; often used as an ornamental in tropical and subtropical gardens

Leaves and stems exude a white, latex-like sap when damaged

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