Temple frangipani (Plumeria rubra)

Plumeria rubra, the frangipani or temple tree, is the thick-branched tree with fragrant, five-petalled flowers in pink, red, yellow, white and blends. It comes from Mexico and Central America and is planted around temples, homes and cemeteries across India. It is the flower of Hawaiian leis and the national flower of Laos. Its milky latex irritates the skin.

Botanical name: Plumeria rubra L.
Family: Apocynaceae
Tamil: Perumal arali
Hindi: Gulachin
Parts used: Flowers (garland)
Habit: Temple plumeria; champa is a shop word
Last updated: 2026-10-26

How to recognise Temple frangipani

It is a small tree with thick, blunt, succulent branches that are bare for part of the dry season.

The leaves are large, broad and oval to oblong, clustered at the branch tips, with a prominent vein near the edge.

Flowers are waxy, with five overlapping petals arranged like a pinwheel, in clusters at the branch tips, and strongly fragrant.

White frangipani, Plumeria alba, has long, narrow leaves with rolled edges.

Traditional use of Temple frangipani

Worship and garland

In India the flowers are offered in temples and worn in the hair. In Hawaii they are strung into leis.

Indian and Pacific practice

Laos

Dok champa, as it is called in Laos, is the national flower and a symbol of welcome.

Lao tradition

Modern notes on Temple frangipani

Breeders have produced hundreds of cultivars with different flower colours and scents.

A common rust fungus causes orange powdery spots on the undersides of frangipani leaves in humid weather.

Temple frangipani safety

The latex can irritate skin and eyes and is harmful if swallowed. Wash after pruning.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to Mexico, Central America and northern South America.

Sphinx moths visit the fragrant flowers at night, though the flowers have no nectar.

In India almost all trees are grown from cuttings, and it rarely spreads on its own.

Related plants

Also in Apocynaceae

Questions about Temple frangipani

What older names does Plumeria rubra go by?

Plumeria acutifolia.

Why do the leaves have orange spots?

Frangipani rust, a fungus common in humid weather.

Is the latex of Temple frangipani safe?

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

How is Temple frangipani propagated?

From cuttings of the thick branches, which root easily after drying for a few days.

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.