Red frangipani
Plumeria rubra

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A deciduous shrub or small tree. It grows 2-8 m tall. It has an irregular shape. The leaves fall off during the year. The leaves grow in spirals at the tips of the branches. They are smooth and broadly sword shaped and taper to both ends. The veins are distinct and straight. The flowers are red, yellow or pink. They occur in upright clusters at the tips of branches. They have a scent. The fruit are pods. They occur in pairs. They are 12-30 cm long. The seeds have wings.

It has been used in medicine. It has anticancer properties.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is native to Mexico and Central America. It grows throughout the warm parts of India. It suits hardiness zones 10-12. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, America, American Samoa, Andamans, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Belize, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Central America (country/location of origin), China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, East Timor, El Salvador, Fiji, Guatemala, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, Honduras, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kiribati, Malaysia, Maldives, Marquesas, Marshall Islands, Mexico (country/location of origin), Micronesia, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Niue, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Philippines, Rotuma, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, South America, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Thailand, Timor-Leste, USA, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, West Indies, Yap, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The flowers are eaten in fritters. They are also used for tea. The fruit are eaten. CAUTION: The fruit can produce abortions. They should not be eaten by pregnant women.

Edible parts

Flowers, flowers - tea, fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Plants can also be grown from cuttings or layers. The cuttings are allowed to wilt before planting.

It is slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Champa, Champei kraham, Golainchi, Gulchampaa raiy, Jasmim-manga, Lal champa, Lal golainchi, Meria, Pagoda tree, Pohon kamboja merah, Pua fiti, Segappu arali, Te meria, Temple flower

Synonyms

Plumeria acuminata Ait.; Plumeria acutifolia Poir.; Plumeria tenorii Gasp.;