Plumeria species, Apocynaceae
Frangipani, pagoda tree, West Indian jasmine
Plant essence guidance for the soul:
Laughter, fun, joy.
Interesting tidbits:
Plumeria is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree with succulent stems and very thick, fleshy branches. Its beautifully coloured flowers of red, pink, white, or yellow have a rich, seductive scent during spring and summer.
Frangipani is native to the tropical and subtropical Americas.
Plumeria was named in honour of Charles Plumier, a 17th-century botanist and writer on tropical flora. The common name frangipani is said to be named after a Marquis Frangipani, a major-general under Louis XIV.
The perfume is so strong that you only need a few flowers to scent a house.
In Java and other Pacific countries it is common to welcome honoured guests with frangipani.