White frangipani (Plumeria alba)

Plumeria alba, white frangipani, is the slender temple tree of Caribbean origin with long, narrow leaves and pure white, yellow-centred flowers. It is planted in temple courtyards, cemeteries and gardens across India and is often called the temple tree. Its milky latex irritates the skin, and no part of it is food.

Botanical name: Plumeria alba L.
Family: Apocynaceae
Tamil: Vellai arali
Hindi: Safed champa
Parts used: Flowers (garland)
Habit: White temple plumeria; frangipani is a shop word
Last updated: 2026-10-25

How to recognise White frangipani

It is a small tree with thick, blunt, succulent branches that leave crescent-shaped scars where leaves have fallen.

The leaves are long and narrow, often thirty centimetres or more, with edges rolled under slightly and a prominent vein running to each side from the midrib.

Flowers are white with a yellow centre, five overlapping, waxy petals arranged like a pinwheel, and a sweet scent strongest at night.

Plumeria rubra, the more common frangipani, has broader, blunter leaves and flowers in pink, red, yellow or white. Flower colour alone does not separate the two.

Traditional use of White frangipani

Temple and household

Frangipani flowers are offered in temples and worn in the hair across South and Southeast Asia. The trees are planted near shrines and burial grounds.

South and Southeast Asian practice

Caribbean origin

In its native Caribbean the tree has long been grown around homes for its scent, and the latex was used in folk practice on the skin.

Caribbean practice

Modern notes on White frangipani

Perfumers use frangipani absolute in floral fragrances.

Gardeners value it because it survives drought, flowers for months and grows easily from cuttings.

White frangipani safety

The milky latex can cause skin irritation and is harmful if swallowed. Wash hands after pruning, and keep latex away from eyes.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to the Lesser Antilles and Puerto Rico and grown throughout the tropics.

Hawkmoths visit the flowers at night, drawn by the scent, though the flowers offer no nectar. That is a case of pollination by deceit.

In India it rarely sets seed or spreads on its own. Nearly every tree was planted from a cutting.

Related plants

Also in Apocynaceae

Questions about White frangipani

Is every white frangipani Plumeria alba?

No. Plumeria rubra also has white-flowered forms. Look at the leaves.

Is champa always frangipani?

No. Champa names several unrelated trees.

Is the latex of White frangipani safe?

No. It irritates the skin and should not be swallowed.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.