Family: Apocynaceae
Singapore plumeria is a small, everblooming tree with a rounded crown.
The trunk is often a bit gnarled with a knobby, wart-like appearance. A white sap exudes out when scratched or broken. Semi-deciduous, it loses its leaves and goes semi-dormant in the wintertime. Glossy, ovate leaves are spirally arranged, growing in clusters at the branch tips. Flowers are also displayed on the branch tips; they grow in bunches. Five petals are attached to a hollow tube, a perfect blossom for stringing lei. The fragrance is most potent in the morning and at night. The flowers from this species wilt and turn brown much quicker than other species. Seed pods have curved tips and freely produce.
This species is native to the Bahamas and the Greater Antilles. Harold Lyon imported the first accession in 1931. It came by way of a Singapore botanical garden, hence the common name Singapore plumeria. They are often planted near churches, graveyards, and parks, all convenient places to quickly string lei.
Plant Uses:
- Container plant
- Fragrant
- Lei flower
- Ornamental
- Specimen
Plant Dangers:
- Toxic to animals and humans
High Risk Traits:
- Broad tropical/subtropical climate suitability
- History of repeated introductions outside native range
- Toxic to humans (irritating latex, upset stomach if ingested)
- Tolerates wide range of soil conditions (loamy, sandy, clay, acidic, alkaline, drought)
- Produces viable seed
- Propagules dispersed intentionally by people (widely cultivated)
- Wind-dispersed seeds (winged)
- Tolerant to rust fungus (only isolated leaf pustules)
Low Risk Traits:
- No evidence of naturalization or weed status (garden, agricultural, or environmental)
- No spines, thorns, or burrs
- Not shade tolerant (requires full sun)
- No vegetative spread
- Seedlings take 3+ years to flower
- No accidental dispersal (water, birds, animals, or produce contaminant)
- Requires specialist pollinators which may limit seed production (hawkmoths)
- Low seed production; rarely fruits in cultivation
- No persistent seed bank (viable ~3 months)
