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In the Gardens

Tricoloured Frangipani, Tricoloured Temple Tree

Plumeria tricolor

Bloom time

From June to October; single blossoms all year round.

Characteristics

The tree grows up to 6 m (6,5 yd.) tall; first branches emerge shortly above the ground. The gnarled branches contain a milky sap and form a broad crown. The dark green leaves are large and longish. They are shed up during bloom-ing time and leave scars. The flowers are coloured cream-pink or cream-orange.

Site:

The Tricoloured Frangipani grows in parks and gardens in south coast areas up to an altitude of 300 m (330 yd.). In Funchal, beautiful specimens are to be found in the Parque Santa Catarina (198)and in the Jardim Municipal (198).

Interesting to know:

The Tricoloured Frangipani is indigenous to Mexico and the northern part of South Amer-ica. The wild form has white blossoms with a yellow base. Today the cultivars are mostly grown in tropical Asia. As a symbol of eternal life they are commonly planted in temple areas and on graveyards together with the Singapore Frangipani (Plumeria obtusa). Frangipani was the name of the Italian producer of a popu-lar perfume in the 12th century. It is said that when Europeans discovered the tree centuries later in America, the strong fragrance of the blossoms reminded them of this perfume. On Madeira you can also find the Red Frangipani.

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