Frangipani 

Its fragrance and beauty is captivating

The blossoms of the frangipani plant, popularly known here as the araliya or temple flower are certainly a sight to behold when in full bloom in a variety of colours.

It grows in abundance throughout our land and everyone is familiar with this flower which is closely linked with Buddhism as they are widely used as floral offerings to the Buddha.

The frangipani plant is grown in almost all temple premises and perhaps this has led to it being called the 'temple tree.' Its rank among the floral tribe in our motherland is certainly high because, even the official residence of the Prime Minister is named after it.

The frangipani (Plumeria rubra), which is a small genus in the dogbane family, comes in eight species. It's native to Central America, Mexico and Venezuela though it is widely grown today in the tropical and equatorial lands, especially in southeast Asia.

It is a deciduous or semi-evergreen plant that grows as a shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 12 metres or more, depending on the area it is grown.

It is a fast growing and hardy plant that could survive in most weather conditions even though it is sensitive to the cold. Even a stem of this plant grows in a short time when planted. This could be grown in containers in colder climes, and make beautiful potted plants.

The bark of the tree is grey and smooth with fleshy, crooked stems and thick, succulent(fleshy and juicy) branches which are widely spread. If any part of the plant is damaged, white sap oozes out. Did you know that this white sap has medicinal value?

It is used to treat rheumatism. In fact, many other parts of this plant are used for medicinal purposes by those knowledgeable in the field.

The leaves of this plant are smooth and oblong (longer than wide) in shape. They are brightly coloured in a dark green hue and grows alternately (one after the other) up the stems in large numbers.

The seed cases are initially like two green sticks and then oval, brownish wood. They stick out like horns from a long stalk, and contain thin, flat oval seeds with delicate wings. The leaves of the tree fall, often leaving the tree bare, except for the flowers.

One of the most favourite flowers of perfume makers, the sweet scented blossoms have five, perfectly-shaped waxy petals that are twisted and dip downwards at the edges.

Even when the flowers fall to the ground, they aren't damaged and retain their natural shape. As a result, these stunning flowers are popular blossoms in decorations.

The fragrant flowers come in a wide range of colours; white with yellow centres, shades of apricot, pink and even red. Their mild yet captivating fragrance is similar to that of jasmins.

Flowering takes place between November to May, and the blossoms could last up to three months, with new ones being produced everyday. In general, one could see these trees in bloom, at all times.

These beautiful flowers, which can be kept fresh for as long as three days, if kept in water once they are picked, are treasured by the Polynesian islanders for their durability, colours and fragrance.

One of the most exotically fragrant of all plants, the frangipani is considered a symbol of immortality by in India.

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Fact file....

* There are many names by which the plant is called; in English it is known as the Temple Tree or the Graveyard Tree. In Hindi it is called Champa and Guiachin. Some refer to it as the Pagoda Tree or the West Indian Jasmin.

* As the blossoms are used in Hawaiian leis (garlands), they are also called the Lei flower.

* The branches of the tree are widely spaced, sometimes as much as 4.5 mt. The long, leathery and fleshy leaves grow in clusters near the tip of the branches.

* The blossoms are often used to make delicately perfumed garlands, especially to adorn the hair.

* Essential oils obtained from the flowers are rich in purifying and moisturising properties.