Plumeria
Plumeria (Latin: Plumeria) is a small genus of tropical plants, classified in the Kutrov family (Latin: Apocynaceae). Plants of the genus are trees, the size of which depends on the environment.
Plumeria has tough leaves and delicate, usually fragrant and showy flowers. But the aroma of flowers is deceptive for insects, which fly to the smell, but do not find nutritious nectar in the flowers. So, pollination occurs without rewarding pollinators. The plant symbolizes different aspects of human life among different peoples. For some it is a symbol of immortality, for others it is a symbol of lust.
What’s in your name
The Latin name of the genus “Plumeria” perpetuates the memory of a French researcher who, more than three centuries ago, studied the flora of our planet, leaving to his descendants his numerous valuable works, including the first description of a plant of this genus. His name is Charles Plumier (1646 – 1704).
In addition to the official name, the genus has many “folk” names assigned to plants by peoples of different countries. The most common name is “Frangipani”. For its pleasant nighttime aroma, Plumeria is called “Jasmine” or “Yasmine”. The natives of French Polynesia call the plant “Tiare Tree”, and in the Hawaiian Islands it is “Melia”.
Description
Plants of the genus can be a spreading shrub or a low tree with a spreading crown. Depending on living conditions, the leaves are evergreen or fall off during an unfavorable period. The shape of the rigid leaves varies from lanceolate, as in Plumeria alba, to oval, as in Plumeria pudica. Veins (main and lateral) clearly visible on the leaf plate draw an intricate or simple geometric pattern on the surface of the leaf. The leaves are showy and very decorative. But the beauty of the leaves hides their insidious nature, since the juice flowing through them is toxic, and therefore can cause irritation if it comes into contact with human skin. You especially need to be careful not to get the juice in your eyes.
Against the background of rough leaves, the inflorescences formed by flowers of a peculiar shape look especially touching. The five petals of the flower corolla can be flat, simple oval-shaped, or masterfully twisted and graceful. The color of the petals used white, yellow, cream, red, which can be either monochromatic or combine several colors and shades.
The flowers of most species in this genus exude a delicate fragrance, blending several scents from other plants. It’s difficult to describe in words. Plumeria’s pollinator is a moth with the mysterious name “Sphinx Moth.” Therefore, Plumeria doesn’t waste its energy by starting to emit fragrance in the evening. However, Plumeria flowers don’t produce nectar, so the moth must make do with pollen alone.
The crowning glory of the plant’s growth is the fruit, which takes the form of pointed pods. Their germination rate declines over time, so it’s more advantageous to propagate Plumeria by cuttings, which root easily even after long storage.
Growing Plumeria at Home
Lovers of Plumeria’s fragrance living in temperate climates successfully grow the plant indoors. They bring back seeds or cuttings from tourist trips and create a true tropical garden in their own apartment. Cuttings with dried tips are planted in well-drained soil, as stagnant moisture can cause the cutting to rot. Subsequently, watering should be adjusted to the amount of sun the plant receives. The more sun, the more moisture the plant requires. It’s important to keep the soil slightly moist rather than completely dry.
For Plumeria, loose soil is much more important than its constituent components, although soil fertility is not a problem.
Rare indoor plants Plumeria Collection by Sergey Marinkov
