A bloom from Uncle Burrell's Plumeria tree (frangipani).
Terry Barrett, photographer.
Terry Barrett, photographer.
This Plumeria tree is within view of our front door. And, I just learned that this tree is extra special to Wildewood neighbor Judy.
Many years ago Judy's Uncle Burrell gave her a cutting from a tree on his Anna Maria Island property. Judy asked the landscape committee if a cutting from it could be planted in our neighborhood. It was (near the carport). Judy says that every time she sees Uncle Burrell's tree she has fond memories of him.
I love this story. There are many reasons to hug and preserve trees, and now I will connect Judy and Uncle Burrell to my personal viewing delight.
Plumeria tree is one of my favorite delights in the neighborhood. In late fall when the weather cools, Plumeria drops its leaves leaving stick-like branches that create lovely linear silhouettes.
Many years ago Judy's Uncle Burrell gave her a cutting from a tree on his Anna Maria Island property. Judy asked the landscape committee if a cutting from it could be planted in our neighborhood. It was (near the carport). Judy says that every time she sees Uncle Burrell's tree she has fond memories of him.
I love this story. There are many reasons to hug and preserve trees, and now I will connect Judy and Uncle Burrell to my personal viewing delight.
Plumeria tree is one of my favorite delights in the neighborhood. In late fall when the weather cools, Plumeria drops its leaves leaving stick-like branches that create lovely linear silhouettes.
The five-petal flowers come in shades of yellow, light or dark pink, white, red, or multi-color, and oh my, what fruity fragrance they offer. Some people describe the smell as peachy or softly-gardenia-like. I’m not the only one who adores the fragrance—plumeria is sometimes found in skin care products.
There is an aspect of this tree that makes it extra special to me: at night when the bloom's fragrance is strongest, it lures sphinx moths to pollinate them. The flowers have no nectar so I guess we can call this tree a pollinator-duper. The moths, attracted by the aroma, pollinate as they search for nectar transferring pollen from flower to flower. I get so excited when I see a sphinx hummingbird moth!
Sphinx moth
As far as care goes, the plumeria tree needs no pruning so it saves on landscaping costs.
And, it easily propagates. Cut a piece of stem and let the sap of the cutting skin over before planting it by leaving it in a shady spot overnight. Then simply stick it in the ground or a container. (Plumeria is related to oleander. Both have a poisonous milky sap so I use care when I cut a stem.)
Leis are often made of plumeria blooms. Collect blossoms and string them using needle and embroidery thread. Add a bloom to your ear to match your natural necklace.
Leis are often made of plumeria blooms. Collect blossoms and string them using needle and embroidery thread. Add a bloom to your ear to match your natural necklace.
