Back

Plumeria obtusa 'Singapore White'

Family Name:	Apocynaceae
Common Name:	Frangipani, 鸡蛋花

Plumeria 'Singapore White' is a cultivar which can reach up to 12 m tall. It produces abundant white flowers throughout the year. It is widely cultivated for its ornamental and scented flowers.

Full Sun

Moderate Water

Fragrant Plant

Ornamental Flowers

Drought Tolerant

Tree

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Infraspecific Epithet
Common Names
Comments
Species Summary

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division	Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form	Tree
Lifespan (in Singapore)	Perennial

Mode of Nutrition	Autotrophic
Plant Shape	Irregular
Maximum Height	12 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution	Of horticultural origin
Preferred Climate Zone	Tropical
Local Conservation Status	Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only)

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form	It is a tree which can reach up to 12 m tall with an irregular or rounded crown. All plant parts produce white sap when injured.
Foliage	The leaves are obovate, green and leathery. They tend to cluster at the end of the branches.
Flowers	Flowers are large, white with a small yellow center. This cultivar can produce very large flower clusters and has a strong floral scent.

Cultivation	Applying fertilizer with a high phosphate content (eg. NPK of 10-50-10) help to boost the plant growth. The plant also thrive in slightly acidic or neutral soil (pH 6.6 - 7.5) with high organic matter content (eg., compost, manure, leaf mold) and good drainage. Soil with coarse texture, such as sandy soil or sandy loam, is ideal for optimal plant growth. Growing the plant in waterlogged, poorly drained or compacted soil may cause the root to be prone to rot.
Etymology	The genus is named after French botanist, Charles Plumier, who contributed significantly to the botanical exploration of the Caribbean and Central America in the late 17th century. The common name, frangipani, is from the name of an Italian nobleman who produced a perfume with similar fragrance to plumeria flowers.
Ethnobotanical Uses	Others: In the Pacific islands region, women can discreetly declare their marital status by placing a Plumeria flower on the right ear if they are single or on the left if they are married. In Hawaii, the flowers are very popular and often used in floral leis.

Landscaping Features

Landscaping	It is often planted in gardens and parks as a ornamental plant.
Desirable Plant Features	Ornamental Flowers, Fragrant (Flowers)
Landscape Uses	General, Parks & Gardens, Container Planting, Small Gardens

Thematic Landscaping	Fragrant / Aromatherapy Garden
Usage Hazard - Cons	Irritant - Sap

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s)	Biotic (Fauna)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference	Full Sun
Water Preference	Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate	Moderate

Rootzone Tolerance	Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Drought Tolerant
Propagation Method	Stem Cutting
Propagation Method Remarks	Many methods of propagation are possible: herbaceous or woody stem cuttings, marcottings or air-layering. To propagate by stem cutting, cut a 15 -24 inch piece from the end of a non-flowering branch. Place the cutting in a dry, dark place for 4 - 7 days until a callus forms over the wound. Then, plant it in moist sand until it roots. This plant rarely produces seeds.

Foliar

Foliage Retention	Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s)	Green
Foliar Type	Simple / Unifoliate

Foliar Attachment to Stem	Petiolate
Foliar Venation	Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin	Entire
Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio	2.5 (Tree - Open Canopy)

Non - Foliar and Storage

Trunk Type (Non Palm)	Woody
Root Type	Underground

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality	Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s)	White
Flower Grouping	Cluster / Inflorescence

Flower Location	Terminal
Flower Symmetry	Radial
Flowering Period	Free-Flowering

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID	32841
Species ID	7255
Flora Disclaimer	The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.