Plumeria rubra

Family: Apocyanaceae

Common name: Frangipani

Plumeria is a shrub or small tree with deep green, long, leathery leaves that grow in dense clusters at the tips of its branches. From early summer to fall, it produces clusters of five-petaled flowers that bloom amid the foliage. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, cream, yellow, pink, lilac, and red. When cut, Plumeria releases a toxic, thick, milky latex from its flowers, leaves, or stems. Although the latex is highly bitter, making accidental poisoning unlikely, it can irritate sensitive skin.

Plumeria is commonly used in cosmetics and aromatherapy, prized for its fragrant blooms. It is also frequently planted in gardens, parks, and graveyards due to its pleasant scent. In traditional medicine, Plumeria is valued for its antifungal, antiviral, analgesic, and hypoglycemic properties.