FRANGIPANI FLOWERS ANYONE?

We have mainly the white flowers called the Hawaiian variety with the rounded leaves.

But we also have many other colours which are the Thai varieties with the pointed leaves : yellow only, yellow and pink, pink and red, and deep red Frangipani flowering trees.

Each have their own particular scents.

We planted our Frangipani trees mainly on the South and South-West sides because the Wind blows more from those directions to carry these scents to our house!!!

-In Caribbean cultures the leaves are used as poultices (a healing wrap) for bruises and ulcers and the latex is used as a liniment for rheumatism.

– In Vietnam the Frangipani is used for its healing qualities:

The white flowers are used in traditional medicine to cure high blood pressure, haemophilia, cough, dysentery and fever.

The bark, mashed in alcohol, prevents skin inflammation, it is also used to treat indigestion and high blood pressure.

The roots have purgative effects on animals.

The milk-like sap serves as a balm for skin diseases.

-Many Hawaiian leis are made from frangipani (Plumeria) flowers.

-The colorful caterpillar of Pseudosphinx tetrio feeds only on the leaves of Plumeria rubra.

– Cole Porter’s song “A Stroll on the Plaza Sant’ Ana” (from the musical Panama Hattie, 1940) mentions Plumeria.

Frangipanis are good hosts for dendrobium orchids.

– The Frangipani is the national tree of Laos, where it is called dok jampa and regarded as a sacred tree. Every Buddhist temple in that country has them planted in their courtyards. Many of the trees are hundreds of years old and are spectacular, huge, gnarled giants.

– The frangipani is the flower of the city of Palermo in Sicily, Italy.

– The frangipani is the national flower of Nicaragua and it features on some of their bank notes.

– Frangipanis won’t burn except in extreme (over 500 degrees) temperatures.

According to Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (by Scott Cunningham; Llewellyn Publications, 1984) the frangipani (plumeria) is associated with the feminine, ruled by Venus.

Its element is water, its deity is Buddha, its power is love and its magical uses are in love spells.

The frangipani is also associated with love in feng shui.

– In modern Polynesian culture, the frangipani can be worn by women to indicate their relationship status – over the right ear if seeking a relationship, and over the left if taken.

– In India the frangipani is a symbol of immortality because of its ability to produce leaves and flowers even after it has been lifted out of the soil. It is often planted near temples and graveyards, where the fresh flowers fall daily upon the tombs.

– Frangipani trees were once considered taboo in Thai homes because of superstitious associations with the plant’s Thai name, lantom, which is similar to ratom, the Thai word for sorrow. As a result, frangipanis were thought to bring unhappiness.

Today, however, the blossoms are called LILLAWADI and presented as fragrant offerings to Buddha. Thai people wear them on special festival days like Songkran (Thai New Year).

– According to Vietnamese myth, ghosts live in trees with white and fragrant flowers including the frangipani. In Vietnam and China the colour white is associated with death and funerals.

– In Hindu culture, the flower means loyalty. Hindu women put a flower in their hair on their wedding days to show their loyalty to their husbands.

– the Aztecs used a decoction of frangipani flowers and other plant materials mixed with certain internal organs of predatory animals (with a reputation for cunning, strength and bravery) as a powerful potion against fear, lethargy and faintheartedness.

– “Warming” oils — such as those from Plumeria, sandalwood, lotus flower, frankincense, cinnamon and basil — are said to have a calming influence on those suffering from fear, anxiety, insomnia or tremors, according to the principles of Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old Indian holistic science that seeks to balance mind, body and spirit.

– A popular legend among sailors shipping overseas from Hawaii during WWII was to toss a lei into the waters as the ship passed Diamond Head. If the lei floated ashore, the sailor would return. If it floated toward the ship, he wouldn’t.

In the language of flowers, Frangipani (Plumeria) are said to stand for love long in absence, as for a sailor long at sea.

Frangipani (Plumeria) is very rare in China, and even more precious than orchids. So, when a person gives frangipani flowers to a sweetheart, it is the closest thing to saying you’re special, I love you in a culture where expression of personal feelings is frowned upon.

– According to Mexican (Lakandon) myth the gods were born from Frangipani (Plumeria) flowers.

You will find the most beautiful picture of our Frangipani Allee on our website www.asianhealingartscenter.com

#Frangipaniflower,

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