Plumeria obtusa, the Singapore graveyard flower, is a species of the genus Plumeria (Apocynaceae). It is native to the Neotropics, but widely cultivated for its ornamental and fragrant flowers around the world, where suitably warm climate exists.

Taxonomy

Plumeria obtusa was described as a new species in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. Its specific epithet "obtusa" means "blunt", in reference to its blunt-tipped leaves.

Description

Plumeria obtusa is a small tree, growing 10-15 ft tall. Infrequently, individuals can grow to be 25 ft. Its flowers are white with yellow throats and each has five petals. The fragrant flowers bloom in clusters. Leaves are dark green, glossy, and up to 8 in long. They are obovate, or teardrop-shaped.

Distribution

Plumeria obtusa is native to the West Indies (including the Bahamas and the Greater Antilles), southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Florida in the United States. Cultivation is common in warmer parts of the world, including Southeast Asia and coastal parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It is reportedly naturalized in China.

Common names

Uses

This plant is commonly used as an ornamental, grown for its flowers. In Cambodia the flowers are used to make necklaces and in offerings to the deities. In traditional medicine used in that country, a decoction of the bark is given in varying doses as a purgative or as a remedy against oedema.