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The Ocean Voyage of the Plumeria - A Fragrant Retrospective

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By Shari Scott (Islandshari)
September 18, 2007 Mail this article
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Views: 1,699

Libraries are festooned with coffee-table books about plumeria. There are hundreds, if not thousands of books, articles and websites devoted to this beautiful and fragrant blossom. There are societies dedicated to the proliferation and study of the plumeria and all its many cultivars. So what can I write that might be of interest, given all the expertise that already exists out there? Please let me explain...

Gardening picture

Most people, when thinking about "the tropics", envision pristine white sand beaches sloping gracefully into turquoise blue water and surrounded by gently swaying palm trees. The people in these lovely daydreams inevitably are wearing leis, the beautiful and fragrant flower necklaces so indicative of the Hawaiian "aloha". These leis are nearly always - in the daydreams - made of the flower of the Plumeria Tree, known by some as Frangipani. But very few people realize that the plumeria is not native to Hawaii, nor to many of the many pacific islands where it now flourishes in fragrant splendor. It was brought to Hawaii in several stages. A German physician and botanist first brought the yellow to the islands in 1860. Then around the turn of the century the red showed up, probably from Mexico and just who brought it in is a matter of debate. And finally the white "Singapore" arrived in 1931 through the auspices of the director of a sugar cane plantation, purchased from a collection at the Singapore Botanical Gardens.

In the areas of the world where this lovely flower is a native, such as Mexico, India and the Asian Pacific, it is planted near cemeteries and churchyards, near temples and holy places, and is used medicinally instead of decoratively. When first introduced to Hawaii, the plumeria was considered unlucky because of its association with death. That hesitation quickly dissipated, however when it was noticed how easily the plant grew new flowers from broken branches...how it flowered when there were no leaves, and thanks to its medicinal properties, it began to be more associated with life.

After the end of World War II, the Marshall Islands became an American Protectorate. Because of a very large battle out here, an American military base was established, and we began the process of restoring the islands. At the end of the Battle of Kwajalein, the story goes, there was only one palm tree left standing. That tree now bears a plaque commemorating the battle, and the lives that were lost here. In the restoration process, it was decided by the powers that be, that more trees needed to be planted on the island, and many were brought from Hawaii and other tropical areas to aide in this attempt. The plumeria traveled yet again. This same restoration process was taking place on many of the pacific islands, and the plumeria along with many other trees came from Singapore, Hawaii and Mexico to help heal the scars of war. How appropriate that this fragrant and beautiful flower now so associated with life and living be used as a restorative after the devastation of armed conflict. Yes, fruiting trees as a food source were needed and planted, but beauty to heal damaged souls was needed as well. Isn't it interesting that its origins at cemeteries, holy places, and as a medicine are all reflected in this post war restoration?

As I wandered around my little island taking pictures for this article, I was thinking about this history of the much-traveled plumeria. I smiled to myself as I reflected that, far from being weary of its travels, the plumeria seems to thrive ever stronger with each introduction to a new area of the world. From Florida to Ankara, from British Columbia to India, and all points in between, each breath of the heavenly fragrances, and each glimpse of the beautiful flowers creates more plumeria lovers. On my little meander, I found the broken branch of one of my favorites...a lovely yellow/white with a subtle, not overpowering scent. Of course, I took it home to plant and await its restoration, and my own. I might even make a lei from the flowers, or scatter them on the turquoise blue water. After all, this is the tropics.

I would supply a list of suggested reading, but the list would be longer than this article, so I will simply say - ENJOY!

About Shari Scott

For most of my 53 years I have been an avid traveler, and luckily I married one as well. We are now living (for the 2nd time) on the tiny island of Kwajalein in the middle of the Pacific. I have gardened in places as varied as the Rocky Mountains and the desert of Saudi Arabia, and many points in between. My passions include, but are not limited to: Family, friends, music, good conversation, and the wonders to be found in the oceans of our planet.

Subject: You have the touch...

Posted by MitchF (from Oklahoma City, OK) on December 22, 2007 at 4:56 PM:
Reread it again... wow... you have the touch I love the way you show the wonder of this plant being brought to heal the land... love it... love it even more!
...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on December 22, 2007 at 8:10 PM:
You are so sweet...thank you, I am blushing.***
...
Posted by MitchF (from Oklahoma City, OK) on December 22, 2007 at 8:35 PM:
lol
...

Subject: Problems with my plumeria

Posted by karion (from Clearwater, FL) on September 26, 2007 at 9:24 AM:
Anybody have a solution?...I have a yellow/orange kind of infestation on my plumeria plants' leaves.
The leaves yellow, and then die...the plant still blooms though. Any suggestions?
...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on September 26, 2007 at 4:37 PM:
Karion, Have you asked over in the Plumeria Forum? If you post a picture of the problem area I'm sure someone there will be able to help. Is it actually something on the Plumie - like mites or scale? One gal was talking about a fungus (which I have never seen, so have no clue about), and there have been discussions about treatments. Plumies are notorious for losing their leaves....there are occasional trees out here with no leaves at all, but big clusters of flowers. The nearly always refoliate with no problems. So maybe it is just that.
...
Posted by karion (from Clearwater, FL) on September 27, 2007 at 5:36 AM:
Thank you for the reply!
...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on September 27, 2007 at 5:46 PM:
Most happily welcome!
...

Subject: I just got two plumeria.

Posted by KimberleyCarr (from Buda, TX) on September 25, 2007 at 1:15 PM:
I just got 2 plumeria. Not sure of the color yet. They both have longer trunks with a full round of green on the ends. Do you have any suggestions for care.

Kimberley
...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on September 25, 2007 at 4:50 PM:
Kimberly - I am getting a lot of questions of this type....Plumies are so popular in Texas!! That's great. Since I am in a very different environment, my info may not be right for you, so I would check in with the Plumie forum. Very knowledgable folks there who will be happy to help you.
...

Subject: Life springing from a "dead" branch

Posted by chrissy100 (from Sydney
(Australia)) on September 17, 2007 at 8:18 PM:
The epitome of hope......springing from something that seems hopeless...
a beautiful.....fragrant promise.
It's perfume .....instant Summer inhaled with a big sigh!
The common name of frangipani named after a perfume used to scent elegant leather gloves in Italy.....when the flower was sniffed it was said to smell of "frangipani"......thankyou Shari for taking us on the adventures and travels of yours and ours beloved Plumeria.
...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on September 17, 2007 at 9:15 PM:
I am stunned! It hasn't even been published yet - where did you see it! And I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
...
Posted by chrissy100 (from Sydney
(Australia)) on September 17, 2007 at 10:12 PM:
I am the next day in Australia...the publication comes out of the US so I am sorry .Idid not even think about the difference.Thanks again for the lovely article .....don't forget to read it everyone!
chrissy :)
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Posted by KyWoods (from Melbourne, KY) on September 18, 2007 at 1:03 AM:
I was stationed in Hawaii for four years, and didn't know all this about this wonderful flower! Thanks for the terrific info and pics--brings back sweet-smelling memories!
...
Posted by Dea (from Frederick, MD) on September 18, 2007 at 7:55 AM:
What a fascinating article Shari - loved all the history and photos. Hope indeed :)

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Posted by Lily_love (from Central, AL) on September 18, 2007 at 8:49 AM:
Fantastic article, Shari. You're my DG's Idol!
Kim
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Posted by bluespiral (from Ellicott City, MD) on September 18, 2007 at 9:52 AM:
My Dad fought somewhere in those Pacific islands during WWII - he always planted something no matter where we lived while I grew up - you are so right about the healing aspect of flowers - something I became aware of far past the time when there might have been a plumeria in one of those bygone gardens.

Wonderful article, Shari...goes right to the heart.

karen
...
Posted by LouC (from Desoto, TX) on September 18, 2007 at 11:58 AM:
Wonderful. As always the best information presented so eloquantely. (sp)

Straight to my heart......
...
Posted by jadajoy (from Newport News, VA) on September 18, 2007 at 12:09 PM:
Lovely, lovely story! Very inspiring and well thought out. Nature is indeed our hope and healer.
...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on September 18, 2007 at 4:01 PM:
Thank you all for your kind words. It is always a joy to share with others when you love something as beautiful as this flower.
...
Posted by Kelli (from Los Angeles (Canoga , CA) on September 18, 2007 at 6:05 PM:
Very nice article! Now if only I could get my plants to bloom.
...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on September 18, 2007 at 6:37 PM:
Patience Kelli! They will....
...
Posted by Kelli (from Los Angeles (Canoga , CA) on September 18, 2007 at 7:44 PM:
How big do the plants need to be?
...
Posted by Indy (from Alexandria, IN) on September 18, 2007 at 8:24 PM:
Well, mine has bloomed some [pink/red] and it is about 7 foot tall. The other has bloomed less and it is only about 4 feet.
My daughter brought back two cuttings from Hawaii in '98. One is two branched and the other three [near the base].
...
Posted by LouC (from Desoto, TX) on September 18, 2007 at 9:11 PM:
My three month old seedling are branching......is that a good sign?
...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on September 18, 2007 at 9:13 PM:
I'm not sure it has anything to do with height. More with the age of the cutting/plant. I have seen one with a dozen flowers on a two ft. high cutting, and I have seen others much taller that haven't flowered at all.
...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on September 18, 2007 at 9:14 PM:
Christi - yes, branching is good!
...
Posted by pepper23 (from KC Metro area, MO) on September 18, 2007 at 9:46 PM:
Great article Shari!!!
...
Posted by bookworm28 (from Houston, TX) on September 19, 2007 at 12:03 AM:
Beautiful photographs, Shari! I bought my two plants small at HD last year, and this summer they were beautiful with flowers! I saw a hummingbird go for the blossom, and it fell off after the nectar hit! That explains why so many blossoms are off the plant - they must be tasty! Since I didn't know any of the history, I'm so glad to learn it.
...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on September 19, 2007 at 12:16 AM:
I'm so glad you have all enjoyed my little article. The history of plants and plant names is fascinating to me, so I'm happy to share!
...
Posted by bsavage (from Cave Creek, AZ) on September 19, 2007 at 1:44 AM:
Lovely article! Several of us here in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona are growing them, I have many great mentors and enablers here that have gotten me started as well. So far, they are doing great. Our concern is cold temps in the winter (yes, it gets cold here, last year we had a big freeze that was very damaging). Mine have survived the heat of the summer so far, but I will have to make arrangements to protect them during the coldest times.
...
Posted by KaperC (from No. San Diego Co., CA) on September 24, 2007 at 4:16 PM:
Well, I'm a little late to this party. I loved the article, Shari! So nice to know the background of my favorite flower.
...
Posted by LouC (from Desoto, TX) on September 24, 2007 at 4:27 PM:
Shari is so good with the names and she forgives me anyway...
...
Posted by Clland (from Houston, TX) on September 25, 2007 at 4:39 PM:
Shari, I loved your article. I bought 3 little sprouts last spring. Can you tell me how old they have to be to bloom? Also, if they're potted, how big of a root system do they have? Thanks so much for sharing your story.
...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on September 25, 2007 at 4:48 PM:
I don't think there is a set age for blooming....its the general size, age and health of the plant...when everything is right they bloom, when not - not. If you bought your little sprouts last spring, then I wouldn't look for blooms until at least next spring. Have you seen any branching yet? How many leaves to they have? Do not be concerned if all the leaves fall off - that is fairly normal, and usually indicative of flowering imminently. However, keep in mind that I am speaking from completely tropical experience, and things may be different in Tx. Check in with the folks in the Plumie forum....I'm positive they can give you the info you are looking for.
...
Posted by JoyceDee (from Fort White, FL) on September 27, 2007 at 9:21 AM:
Shari: I experienced my first plumeria when I visited my son who moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. I broke off a small piece and brought it home to North Central Florida (which has a touch of "winter") and it "took off" and is growing nicely. I will keep it in my small greenhouse during the cold weather. Hoping to see it blossom one day. Thanks SO much for your informative article.

...
Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on September 27, 2007 at 5:22 PM:
JoyceDee, I'm so glad that you are enjoying the Plumeria! It should respond nicely to the care of moving it into a greenhouse. So nice to hear that you liked the article! Thank you.
...
Posted by rjuddharrison (from Houston, TX) on October 3, 2007 at 7:41 PM:
I'm finding the articles Shari!
It was great! I have the good fortune of friends living in Kauai. I went to the Botanical Gardens and research center a couple of years ago, and did learn about most of the plants being imported. My friends boss Mr. Robinson had invited me to view his personel collection of Hawaiin indigenous plants. Mr. Robinson and family have a wide influence on Kauai and Ni'hau. The original plants of the Islands are quite different than the exotic assortment adorning the islands today. My friend Lindsay is from S. Africa, and is a helicopter mechanic for the Robinsons that usually fly over to Ni'hau where only Hawaiin Natives are permitted (from what I'm told.)

My Garden journey here in Houston began with some branches I found in the greenhouse that had been left. I was incredulous when I spied leaves growing on the branches. I had no idea what the plant was, and more over, no idea what a journey of botanical discoveries were to follow!. Now I have so many Plumerias, growing from seeds and of course every broken branch that seems to occur every year while moving the large ones into the green house.

RJ
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Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on October 3, 2007 at 8:56 PM:
Randy....I so glad you found the articles. See, I told you - a wealth of info! I would LOVE to see Ni'hau. I'm one of those who always wants to do what I'm told I can't! Ha Ha. You are so lucky to know the Robinson's. I think seeing the actual indigenous plants of the islands would be fascinating! It would certainly make folks appreciate the abundant beauty they enjoy today.
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