Frangipani (Plumeria rubra)

Kemboja or semboja or Bali flower or temple tree or frangipani (Plumeria rubra) are deciduous plant species that grow as a spread tree, 7-8 m high and widen with flowers throughout the year in a tropical climate and very fragrant. Frangipani is very popular for gardens, parks, temples, cemeteries, medication and fashion.

P. rubra has succulent and blunt stem branches like thick sausages that are covered with thin gray bark. The branches are brittle and when broken out emit white latex which irritates the skin and mucous membranes. Latex on the stem is toxic, but not deadly except for large quantities.

Green leaves are large for 30-50 cm long, alternately arranged and clustered at the end of the branch. The terminal flower appears at the end of the branch, 5-7.7 cm in diameter, has five petals and is very fragrant in the morning and evening.

The flower of this species has two colors depending on the cultivar is pink and white with shades of yellow in the middle. The seeds are contained in cylindrical pods, 17.5 cm long and dark green.

Kemboja in Bali are tucked into ears in ritual offerings to gods or as decorations for coffins on Java. The leaves of this species are used in wound care and soothing infusions. Flowers and bark are used to treat fever, bacillary dysentery, pertussis and so on.

Bali flower has fulvoplumierin or an antibiotic that inhibits the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Plants are also shown to be antifungal, antiviral, analgesic, antispasmodic, and hypoglycemic. P. rubra also contains agoniadin, plumierid, plumeric acid, cerotinic acid, and lupeol. The stem has an alkaloid called triterpinoid.

Temple trees are also known to improve digestion, excretion, respiratory and immune function. Sap is used as a laxative, a remedy for bloating and abdominal pain. Flowers are boiled in water as salads to increase bowel movements, urine flow, control gas and phlegm. Also to treat asthma.

In Cambodia, use this flower for neck decoration in temples. Pacific islands also use decorations on the neck for welcoming guests at parties and dances. Flowers are also used to make perfume and scent coconut oil.

Plumeria has at least more than 20 species, but many say only two genuine species are Plumeria rubra and Plumeria obtusa, while the other species are hybrids of both or with other genera. Some other scientists say three and four species are genuine.

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Plumeria
Species: P. rubra

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