Plumeria obtusa

Plumeria obtusa is a small tropical tree recognized for its glossy, blunt-tipped leaves and highly fragrant white flowers with yellow throats. It is widely cultivated across the globe in warm climates primarily as an ornamental plant.

It is native to the Neotropics, including the West Indies, southern Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. The species is widely cultivated and has become naturalized in various warm regions, including Southeast Asia, Florida, China, and India.

It is primarily valued as an ornamental tree in landscaping and gardens for its attractive, fragrant blooms. The flowers are also harvested for use in the floral and perfume industries.

In traditional Cambodian medicine, a decoction of the bark is historically used as a purgative and as a folk remedy to treat edema.

The fragrant flowers are commonly strung together to craft necklaces, garlands, and leis. They are also utilized in creating floral arrangements and decorative offerings.

The flowers hold significant religious and spiritual value, frequently used in temple offerings and ceremonies dedicated to deities. The tree is often planted in graveyards and temple grounds, leading to common names associated with these sacred spaces.