Pagoda-tree (Plumeria rubra, Sp. Pl.: 209 (1753))

Family: Apocynaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 209 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Plumeria

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Venezuela

Description

The Pagoda-tree, scientifically known as Plumeria rubra, is a captivating and well-regarded plant originating from regions stretching from Mexico to Venezuela. This exotic species stands out not just for its historical value but also its aesthetic appeal and cultural significance.

Belonging to the Apocynaceae family, Plumeria rubra is renowned for its strikingly beautiful flowers. These blossoms typically appear in a mesmerizing array of colors, including shades of pink, red, white, and yellow, often with a contrasting center that adds to their visual allure. The flowers are also known for their delightful fragrance, which has made them a popular choice for leis and other ornamental purposes in various cultures around the world.

The Pagoda-tree thrives in warm climates, making it a common sight in its native habitat as well as in tropical and subtropical gardens globally. The plant is relatively easy to grow, requiring well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight to flourish. Its ability to withstand drought conditions further adds to its popularity as a versatile garden plant.

Historically, the Pagoda-tree has been mentioned in botanical literature dating back to 1753, specifically in the “Species Plantarum” by Carl Linnaeus, commonly referred to by the abbreviation ‘L.’ This work is one of the cornerstones of modern botanical nomenclature and underlines the long-standing recognition of Plumeria rubra.

In addition to its ornamental use, various parts of the plant have been utilized in traditional medicine in its native regions, attributing to it various therapeutic properties. However, as with many plants used in traditional remedies, it is essential to approach its use with caution and consult knowledgeable sources or professionals.

In summary, the Pagoda-tree (Plumeria rubra) is a beloved and versatile plant whose striking beauty and fragrant flowers make it a cherished addition to gardens and landscapes. Its historical significance in botanical literature and cultural importance further enhance its valued status among plant enthusiasts and gardeners alike.

Common Names

Spa: azuceno rojo, alhelí, alhelí cimarrón, suche
Por: flor-de-santo-antônio, jasmim-manga
Eng: frangipani, pagoda-tree, red paucipan, red-jasmine, templetree, frangipani pink, nosegay, red fragipani, red plume
Swe: frangipani
Fra: frangipanier
Deu: rote frangipani
En: Pagoda-tree, Red paucipan, Templetree, Frangipani, Red-jasmine, Plumeria flore roseo odoratissimo, Spanish jasmine, Red frangipani, Frangipani pink, Nosegay, Red fragipani, Red plume, Frangipani Tree, Pagoda tree, Temple Tree, Plumeria
Ar: فتنة حمراء, Yasmîn hindî
Bn: লাল কাঠগোলাপ
Bg: Червена плумерия
Zh: Hong ji dan hua, 雞蛋花, 鸡蛋花
Cs: Plumérie červená
Eo: Ruĝa franĉipano
Fi: Rusotemppelipuu
Fr: Frangipanier, Frangipanier rouge
De: Rote Frangipani
He: פלומריה ריחנית
Hu: Vörös frangipáni
It: Frangipani rosso
Ml: ഈഴച്ചെമ്പകം
Fa: یاسمن قرمز
Pt: Flor-de-Santo-Antônio, Jasmim-manga, Jasmim manga
Pt-br: Jasmim-de-caiena, Jasmim-do-Pará, Jasmin-do-pará, Jasmin-manga
Ru: Плюмерия красная
Sk: Pluméria červená
Es: Alhelí, Alhelí cimarrón, Suche, Cacalojoche, Flor blanca, Flor de mayo., Azuceno rojo
Sv: Frangipani
Zh-tw: 雞蛋花
Ta: ஈழத்தலரி
Vi: Đại hoa đỏ

Synonyms

• Plumeria rubra f. acutifolia ((Poir.) Woodson)
• Plumeria incarnata var. milleri ((G.Don) A.DC.)
• Plumeria rubra f. lutea ((Ruiz & Pav.) Woodson)
• Plumeria rubra f. tricolor ((Ruiz & Pav.) Woodson)
• Plumeria bicolor (Ruiz & Pav.)
• Plumeria rubra f. typica (Woodson)
• Plumeria rubra f. acuminata ((W.T.Aiton) Woodson)
• Plumeria acutifolia (Poir.)
• Plumeria mariaelenae (J.F.Gut. & J.Linares)
• Plumeria acuminata (W.T.Aiton)
• Plumeria aurantia (Bosse)
• Plumeria tricolor (Ruiz & Pav.)
• Plumeria aurantiaca (Steud.)
• Plumeria macrophylla (Lodd. ex G.Don)
• Plumeria gouanii (D.Don ex G.Don)
• Plumeria lutea (Ruiz & Pav.)
• Plumeria loranthifolia (Müll.Arg.)
• Plumeria blandfordiana (Lodd. ex G.Don)
• Plumeria northiana (Lodd. ex G.Don)
• Plumeria rubra var. acuminata ((W.T.Aiton) R.S.Rao & Balamani)
• Plumeria incarnata (Mill.)
• Plumeria conspicua (G.Don)
• Plumeria angustifolia (A.DC.)
• Plumeria arborescens (G.Don)
• Plumeria arborea (Noronha)
• Plumeria carinata (Ruiz & Pav.)
• Plumeria acutifolia var. gasparrinii (A.DC.)
• Plumeria purpurea (Ruiz & Pav.)
• Plumeria mollis (Kunth)
• Plumeria milleri (G.Don)
• Plumeria jamesonii (Hook.)
• Plumeria rubra var. acutifolia ((Poir.) L.H.Bailey & E.Z.Bailey)
• Plumeria kerrii (G.Don)
• Plumeria lambertiana (Lindl.)
• Plumeria kunthiana (Kostel.)
• Plumeria tenuifolia (Lodd. ex G.Don)
• Plumeria megaphylla (A.DC.)
• Plumeria mexicana (G.Lodd.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Bahamas (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Cayman Is. (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Gilbert Is. (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
• Line Is. (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• Marshall Is. (introduced)
• Nauru (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• Nicobar Is. (introduced)
• Paraguay (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Senegal (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Southwest Caribbean (introduced)
• Tokelau-Manihiki (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)
• Tuvalu (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Wallis-Futuna Is. (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 17, 2017 by christiane Fazer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2017 by Luciana Heiderich Leão Borges Luciana Heiderich Leão Borges (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2018 by Lothar Jacob (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2019 by Jean-Christophe Lombardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2017 by Javier Gomis (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Sanchez Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2021 by marlon oliveira (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2021 by diviu mercedes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2019 by Jean-Christophe Lombardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2019 by Jean-Christophe Lombardo (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 16, 2019 by Castro Wagner Castro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2019 by Vieira do Nascimento Paulo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2019 by Vieira do Nascimento Paulo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2022 by DEIKER GODOY (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2019 by denis francais (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 21, 2019 by G. Schinzano Rosana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2019 by Vieira do Nascimento Paulo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Céline PIRAT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Anziz AHMED ABDOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Céline PIRAT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Gerald Laguna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2016 by helen venegas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 2019 by Lourdes Insausti (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 6, 2021 by Jonathan Golan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2020 by Nina Del Rivero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 28, 2019 by vp bety (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3169674)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:81275-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Plumeria rubra L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth