whats blooming?
N
ow this is one tree we have all practically
grown up with. Botanically termed
'plumeria', you probably associate this city-
based tree best with its common names – temple tree,
frangipani, kaadusampige, pagoda tree or gulacheen.
Though the plumeria is native to Mexico, Central
America and the Caribbean, this pretty tree has
spread throughout the tropics and become completely
naturalised in Southeast Asia. So much so, that the
plumeria has not only assimilated into Asian soil but
is now intermeshed with the continent's culture and
customs as well. For instance, the plumeria's flowers
are considered sacred, and used in both Hindu and
Buddhist temples. This flower also happens to be the
national flower of Laos, where it is called 'champa' –
described in Shelley's lyrical poem 'Indian Serenade'
and Oscar Wilde's novel 'The Picture of Dorian Gray',
champa is legendary for its intoxicating fragrance.
Originally spelled 'plumiera', the genus is named after
th
a 17 century French botanist Charles Plumier. While
the common name 'frangipani' comes from an Italian
noble family, it was the English who christened it
'plumeria'.
The frangipani blooms for a long period, from
February to October, though some varieties bloom
through the winter months. The fragrant flowers
appear in clusters at the tip of the tree's branches. In
Polynesian culture, this flower 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 extract from the flower is used to make
incense. The blossoms also sit beautifully in crystal
bowls of water in homes, restaurants and spas.
Bangalore's plumerias are mainly deciduous shrubs
and small trees. But the famed Bangalore weather has
woven its magic on some really old plumerias that
have grown to massive proportions, like the ones on
MG Road, next to Mayo Hall. Commonly grown in
gardens and parks, the temple tree's flowers are most
fragrant at night in order to lure Sphinx moths to
pollinate them.
Complied By Ila Mehta
Founder - The Wheelbarrow
A WALK DOWN
CHAMPA LANE
Known for its perfumed blossoms, the
plumeria enjoys mystical status around
Southeast Asia. A resident of our own city,
this ornamental tree is also surprisingly
easy to grow
Though there are only seven to eight species
of temple trees, there are more than 300
named varieties within them. Each of the
separate species of plumeria bears
differently-shaped leaves and their growth
habits are also distinct. If you're looking to
plant one, the plumeria judica is a good
choice with its evergreen leaves and
seemingly endless blossoms. In fact, the
plumeria is also a good choice for container
planting. It likes the full sun and needs only
an average amount of water. Use a fungicide
to keep away insects and make sure you keep
the area around the tree base free from
decayed leaves.