We have two types of frangipani in our yard. One of them has yellowish, creme colored flowers. This is a picture of the one with deep red flowers. These are the flowers used in Hawaii to make the flower-garlands known as leis.

Here are a few facts, based on my personal observations:

• The tree loses ALL of it’s leaves in summer. You would be sure it was dead, if you didn’t know better.
• The flowers have a sweet fragrant smell
• The trees are extremely simple to propagate: put a broken branch in the ground. Keep it watered (or plant it in the rainy season)
• A sunny, well drained location works well.

According to Your Florida Garden, 5th ed.:[1. Your Florida Garden, 5th ed., Watkins and Wolfe, 1958, University Presses of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.]

Size 10-15 ft. Several species of frangipani are common in all tropical countries, grown for their delightfully fragrant flowers. They are all short, stocky trees of spreading habit with thick, stubby branches of soft wood, milky sap, and large, leathery leaves. The species most often seen in Florida gardens are P. rubra, with broad leaves and purplish red flowers, and P. alba, with narrow leaves rolled at the margins and white flowers. Leaves are clustered near the branch tips and flowers are borne terminally all through late spring and summer.

FOOTNOTES

Recently we attended our third “Preview” program for incoming freshmen at the University of Florida. Can you identify the “art” that I’m standing by on the UF campus in Gainesville, Florida? Hint, it’s commonly known as “French Fries.”

While we’re at it, here’s another recognizable icon form the University of Florida’s Gainesville campus, the J. Wayne Reitz Union.
ANSWER:
The official name for this “art” is “Alachua.”

The Desert Rose (Adenium) can grow in the desert, but it’s not a rose. This Desert Rose does very well growing in our back yard, with very minimal care and attention.[1. Minimal care and attention is the top level of care offered to plants in my yard.] About all that is really necessary is a sunny location. As you can see, the bright red color is spectacular.


Another view of the same plant.

FOOTNOTES: