Plumeria obtusa L.
Vernacular name: Singapore graveyard flower, White frangipani (Hindi: गोल चम्पा)
Species Name: Plumeria obtusa L.
Family: Apocynaceae
Habit: Deciduous small tree or shrub
Stem: Succulent thick branches 3-6 m tall, grey bark with leaf scars, milky sap.
Leaf: Obovate glossy dark green, blunt/obtuse apex, clustered at branch tips.
Flowering: Year-round in tropics
Flowers: Terminal corymbose clusters; 5 white overlapping petals 3-5 cm obovate with yellow throat, funnelform tube, 5 stamens (anthers connivent forming cone), superior ovary 2-carpellate.
Fruit: Long slender follicles 15-30 cm, splitting to release winged seeds.
Uses:
- All parts of plant contain cardiac glycosides—toxic if ingested.
- Poultices made from leaf and bark extracts are used in the treatment of boils, eczema, skin ulcers and wounds.
- Decoctions or liniment brewed from bark and roots are use to relieve headaches, arthritis, rheumatism and muscle aches.
- Root extracts and sap is used in folk medicines as diuretic, remedy of asthma and diabetes mellitus.
- Strong fragrance of fruit and flower is used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and boost mood.
- It has Graveyard association (ever-blooming white flowers) and is a Hindu funeral offering.
- It is an ornamental temple tree having highly fragrant flowers that are used for garlands, worship, perfume and for natural remedy.
