Plumeria obtusa, the Singapore graveyard flower,[3] is a species of the genus Plumeria (Apocynaceae). It is native to the Neotropics, but widely cultivated for its ornamental and fragrant flowers around the world, where suitably warm climate exists.
| Plumeria obtusa | |
|---|---|
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| Leaves in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Plumeria |
| Species: | P. obtusa
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| Binomial name | |
| Plumeria obtusa | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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List
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Taxonomy
editPlumeria obtusa was described as a new species in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus.[4] Its specific epithet "obtusa" means "blunt", in reference to its blunt-tipped leaves.[5]
Description
editPlumeria obtusa is a small tree, growing 3.0–4.6 m (10–15 ft) tall. Infrequently, individuals can grow to be 7.6 m (25 ft). Its flowers are white with yellow throats and each has five petals. The fragrant flowers bloom in clusters. Leaves are dark green, glossy, and up to 20 cm (8 in) long. They are obovate, or teardrop-shaped.[5]
Distribution
editPlumeria obtusa is native to the West Indies (including the Bahamas and the Greater Antilles), southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Florida in the United States.[6][7] Cultivation is common in warmer parts of the world, including Southeast Asia and coastal parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It is reportedly naturalized in China.[8][9]
Common names
editUses
editThis plant is commonly used as an ornamental, grown for its flowers. In Cambodia the flowers are used to make necklaces and in offerings to the deities.[8] In traditional medicine used in that country, a decoction of the bark is given in varying doses as a purgative or as a remedy against oedema.
References
edit- ^ IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group.; Botanic Gardens Conservation International; et al. (BGCI) (2020). "Plumeria obtusa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T156770956A156770958. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T156770956A156770958.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species". Retrieved January 30, 2014.
- ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Plumeria obtusa". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
- ^ "Plumeria obtusa Linnaeus, 1753". WoRMS. 6 October 2009. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ a b "Plumeria obtusa". Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
- ^ "Plumeria obtusa". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
- ^ a b c Dy Phon Pauline, 2000, Plants Used In Cambodia, printed by Imprimierie Olympic, Phnom Penh
- ^ "Plumeria obtusa in Flora of China @ efloras.org". www.efloras.org.
- ^ Sujanapal, P.; Sancaran, K.V. (2016). Common Plants of Maldives (PDF). Bangkok: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Kerala Forest Research Institute. p. 212. ISBN 978-92-5-109295-8.