Son Champa Plant

Description

1. Botanical Information

• Botanical Name: Plumeria rubra

• Common Names: Son Champa, Frangipani, Temple Tree, Champa

• Family: Apocynaceae

• Type: Deciduous small tree or shrub

2. Origin & Distribution

• Native To: Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean

• Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in India, Southeast Asia, and Pacific islands.

3. Physical Characteristics

• Height & Spread: Typically grows 3–8 meters tall, with a spreading canopy.

• Leaves: Large, elongated, glossy green leaves arranged alternately on thick, succulent branches.

• Flowers: Fragrant, star-shaped flowers with yellow, white, pink, or red hues, often blooming in clusters.

• Blooming Period: Blooms mainly in summer, sometimes multiple times a year in tropical climates.

• Bark & Branches: Thick, fleshy branches with smooth, greyish bark; branches may exude a milky sap when cut.

4. Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers full sunlight for optimal flowering.

• Soil: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil; tolerates slightly alkaline to neutral pH.

• Watering: Moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established.

• Temperature: Thrives in warm climates (20–35°C); sensitive to frost.

• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity but can tolerate dry conditions.

5. Maintenance & Care

• Pruning: Light pruning to remove dead branches and shape the plant encourages flowering.

• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote blooms.

• Pests/Diseases: Susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, and frangipani rust; milky sap can deter some pests.

6. Uses & Benefits

• Ornamental Value: Highly prized for gardens, temples, courtyards, and parks due to its vibrant flowers and fragrance.

• Fragrance & Cultural Significance: Flowers are used in religious ceremonies, garlands, and perfumes.

• Medicinal Uses: Traditional medicine uses extracts for wound healing, skin issues, and anti-inflammatory purposes.

• Pollinator Friendly: Attracts butterflies and bees, supporting local biodiversity.

7. Lifespan

• Long-lived perennial tree; can thrive for several decades with proper care.