Plumeria obtusa var. obtusa

Singapore graveyard flower

Early use of this plant and its relatives in cemeteries led to the flattering common name, "graveyard flower."

The frangipani is purportedly a symbol of immortality because of its ability to produce leaves and flowers even when taken out of the soil. Frangipani plants are frequently found in graveyards, where they decorate the graves with falling flowers and fill the air with beautiful fragrance. The plant is also sacred to Buddhists and Hindus and is often planted outside temples.

The flowers, especially white ones, have come to be associated with ghosts and death in some cultures in Vietnam and China. In feng shui, however, frangipani is considered a flower of love. It is important to do your homework before you present flowers to someone, especially in a different culture. What might be intended as a symbol of affection could be perceived as a death wish...not the kind of mistake you want to make!