Plumeria
also called Frangipani (Fran-jer-pani) or Temple Tree.
Named after Charles Plumier, 17C French botanist.
There are Plumeria obtusa (White frangipani, Singapore Plumeria), Plumeria rubra
in the same family.
I have one at home (Plumeria Rubra in nice red-violet flower) in a pot.
Its very attractive flower shining white with dark green leaves. I tried
to put this one as the first item of my garden but I miserably failed to make
nice picture of it.
The strong contrast between the flower and its leaves
stays beyond my photographical control.
Now I have a few but no picture to my fancy. I will try again and add some
nicer pictures of this gorgeous beauty.
In Thailand, you will not see this gorgeous tree at houses. I learned that
the flower has a sad name - Endless Sorrow - Name of the heroine in a Thai
legend, who had fate all through her life.
Therefore, Thais doesn't like
to have this tree at home garden. Another story, more interesting one is, a
prince brought this tree to Thailand, for the flower has pleasant fragrance and
pretty, everyone want to have the tree.
The prince who did not like to
share the pleasure enjoying the tree made the story, then none asked him to give
the tree any more.
Anyway, you will see many Plumeria in Thailand, but not in the resident area.
30 July 1999

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