Plumeria

About the Plumeria

The flower used in Hawaiian leis. Named after French botanist Charles Plumier. Despite their association with Hawaii, they are native to Central America and the Caribbean. They are the national flower of Laos and Nicaragua. Their fragrance intensifies at night to attract sphinx moths. They produce a milky latex sap that can irritate skin. They are drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water. Over 300 registered varieties. In Hawaiian culture, a plumeria behind the left ear means the heart is taken; behind the right means available. They can grow into trees up to 8 meters.