Plumeria

MP-0019 / 0024 — Apocynaceae

Plumeria L. (species to be confirmed; commonly P. rubra L.)
Plumeria

A succulent-stemmed tree of the dogbane family, with fragrant flowers of twisted petals.

Distribution

Native to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean; cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics.

Habitat

Cultivated in gardens, parks and along roads, in full sun and well-drained ground.

Morphology

A small, semi-deciduous tree with thick, succulent, brittle branches that bear a milky latex. Large, elliptic to oblong leaves are clustered towards the branch tips. Fragrant flowers with five twisted (contorted) petals are borne in terminal clusters.

Botanical notes

The twisted bud arrangement of the corolla is typical of the dogbane family. The latex is an irritant. Several species and many cultivars are grown; the plant shown has not yet been identified to species.

References

Taxonomy and distribution follow Plants of the World Online (Kew), YList (Yonekura & Kajita) and regional floras; CITES Species+ for trade status. Descriptions are provisional and are revised as specimens are verified.