Plumeria in Hawai‘i

Abstract

Plumeria is known by other common names, including frangipani, melia (Hawaiian), and temple tree, and has many named cultivars. In Hawai‘i, plumeria is grown as an ornamental and is not found in the wild. The plumeria has been cultivated for its flowers in Hawai‘i since the late 1800s. Hundreds of open-pollinated seedlings have been flowered and selections made for suitable lei flowers. These selections constitute the majority of the plumerias grown today and form the basis for further improvement through breeding. Desirable characteristics of plumeria cultivars include good keeping quality, heavy flower production, and attractive color. This publication covers 40 major plumeria cultivars grown in Hawai‘i.