PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Plumeria rubra
Frangipani
L., 1753
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The frangipani or temple tree (Plumeria rubra) is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, immensely popular and revered throughout Mesoamerica for the dazzling beauty and intoxicating fragrance of its flowers. Belonging to the Apocynaceae family, it has an unusual structure: thick, fleshy, somewhat gnarled branches that exude an abundant, sticky white latex when cut. Its leaves are large, dark green, and clustered at the tips of the branches. Its crowning glory, however, is its waxy, five-petaled flowers arranged in a spiral overlap, which can range from crimson red and bright pink to yellow and pure white with a yellow center. Its original native distribution extends from central Mexico, through Central America, to Colombia and Venezuela. It is a deeply rooted symbol in tropical culture, frequently planted in parks, gardens, and cemeteries worldwide, and is celebrated as the national flower of Nicaragua (under the name Sacuanjoche).
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Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Gentianales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Apocynaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Plumeria
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.L., 1753
Record Completeness
91%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
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Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It is a natural survivor of arid ecosystems. Its native habitat is tropical dry forests, rocky slopes, and deciduous thorny scrub, from sea level up to 1,500 meters in altitude. It requires full sun and very well-drained soils to thrive. Highly tolerant to extreme drought, salt spray, and wind, it is common in the coastal areas of the Costa Rican Pacific (such as Guanacaste). Thanks to its hardiness and beauty, it has naturalized in peri-urban habitats and tropical gardens around the entire globe.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
The phenology of the Frangipani dramatically marks the aesthetics of the tropical deciduous forest. After months of enduring the inclement sun and looking like a mere skeleton of thick branches without a single leaf, the onset of the reproductive season transforms the tree. It bursts into massive inflorescences at the bare tips of its stems, creating a spectacular crown of flowers that attracts pollinators from miles around before the plant expends energy on producing new green leaves with the arrival of the rains.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
200.0 - 800.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Toxic latex (Phytochemical defense): All parts of the plant exude an abundant milky sap when damaged. This latex is highly rich in toxic alkaloids and triterpenes, which deter almost all insects and mammals from consuming its leaves or stems, and it quickly seals the plant's wounds to prevent infections in dry environments.
Succulent stems and Drastic deciduousness: To survive the extreme Mesoamerican dry season, the plant stores large amounts of water in its thick, pulpy branches (succulent behavior). During the drought, it drops 100% of its foliage to halt water transpiration, remaining in a dormant 'skeleton' state until the rains or flowering restart.
Deceit pollination: The fragrant flowers do not produce a single drop of nectar. Their intense nocturnal fragrance and the visual star of their floral throat trick large sphinx moths into inserting their proboscis seeking food. As they move from flower to flower in frustration, they transfer pollen without the tree having invested any energy into producing nectar.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Dry Forest habitat loss: The tropical dry forest is one of the most threatened and fragmented ecosystems in Mesoamerica due to cattle ranching, agriculture, and coastal real estate development. The destruction of its native biome severely isolates wild populations of P. rubra.
Plumeria rust fungus (Coleosporium plumeriae): A common fungal pathogen that attaches to the underside of the leaves forming yellow-orange rust-colored pustules. It causes premature defoliation and severely weakens the tree, affecting its photosynthesis, especially in garden settings and excessively humid climates.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Origin of the name Frangipani: Although the genus Plumeria was named after the French botanist Charles Plumier, its common name 'Frangipani' comes from Marquis Muzio Frangipani, a 16th-century Italian nobleman who invented a popular bitter-almond-based perfume used to scent leather gloves. Years later, when explorers discovered this flower in the New World and noticed its scent was identical to the European perfume, they bestowed the name upon it.
National Flower and Cultural Symbol: In 1971, Plumeria rubra (under the name Sacuanjoche) was declared the National Flower of Nicaragua. The word derives from Nahuatl (Zacuani=yellow feather, xochitl=flower). Historically, ancient Mesoamerican cultures, like the Maya and Aztecs, fervently gathered its flowers to adorn royalty, nobility, and create garlands for deities. Today, it is the preferred material worldwide for making the traditional floral 'lei' garlands in Hawaii.
Fire-proof trees: In its natural tropical dry forest habitat, natural wildfires during the drought season are common. The thick, fleshy stems of the Plumeria act as a fire-retardant shield, making them surprisingly resistant to the fast-moving flames that consume the surrounding underbrush.