HomebrownP. caracasana no scent, this note is a mix of two

P. caracasana no scent, this note is a mix of two

Colors
BrownYellowWhite

Description

Plumeria caracasana is native to the area around Caracas, Venezuela. It is a distinct and beautiful species with spoon-shaped leaves similar to P. pudica but forming a larger plant. Flowers are white and more star-shaped than those of P. pudica, with a prominent yellow center, held upright in bunches on unusually long stalks above the foliage. Most plants are scentless, though some seedlings carry a slight scent. The species roots easily from tip and mid-stem cuttings and grows into a medium tree with a tree-like rather than bushy form and thinner branches than typical rubras. Leaves are stiffer and broader than those of P. pudica, and the petals are less round and show a larger yellow center. According to Richard Eggenberger, the correct name of Plumeria pudica may in fact be Plumeria caracasana; ‘pudica’ (‘pure’) has historically been used for white plumerias from Central America and the Caribbean, while ‘caracasana’ references Caracas as the place of origin. Some commentary considers P. caracasana essentially another P. obtusa. Hybrids of P. caracasana typically have large, perfumed flowers and long, graceful, frond-like evergreen foliage that is free of or highly resistant to frangipani rust. These small trees or large shrubs are substantially more cold tolerant than other evergreen frangipanis. Buds are brown-tipped before opening, with pronounced veining on the reverse of the petals.

Appearance

White flowers with a prominent yellow center, more star-shaped than P. pudica; larger and with petals less round than P. pudica. Spoon-shaped leaves similar to but stiffer and broader than P. pudica, on long stalks; buds show brown tips before opening and have pronounced veining on the reverse of the petals.

Bloom

Plentiful flowers held erect in bunches on unusually long stalks high above the foliage, forming full bloom heads.

Fragrance

Typically unscented, though some seedlings and hybrids carry slight to strong fragrance.

Growth & Foliage

Medium tree with a tree-like rather than bushy form; thinner branches than typical rubras. Evergreen hybrids grow as small trees or large shrubs with long frond-like foliage.

Cultivation Tips

Easy to grow and root from tip or mid-stem cuttings. Evergreen P. caracasana hybrids are much more cold tolerant than other evergreen frangipanis and are completely resistant or highly resistant to frangipani rust.

Provenance

Native to the areas of Venezuela around the capital, Caracas; the name ‘caracasana’ references this origin.

Also Known As

Details

Growth Habit
upright
Species
P. rubra
Sets Seed
No
Fragrance Strength
none
Anecdotal Notes
Diana

Native to the areas of Venezuela outside the capital, Caracas. - A distinct and beautiful tree with spoon shaped leaves similar to P. Pudica, only a larger plant. More star shaped than P. pudica with much more yellow in the centre. A very beautiful species. The flowers are held upright in bunches on unusually long stalks above the foliage. Very special. Plentiful white scentless flowers on a handsome full tree. Easy to grow. Roots easily from tip and mid-stem cuttings. It is truly a beauty with outstanding foliage and large white inflorescent. There is no fragrance as is true with most species. No scent, nice full bloom head. Larger leaves and blooms than the pudicas. Grows more in a tree like shape, not as bushy as P. pudica. Completely different leaves than Pudica and does grow tree like the rubras but much thinner branches. Pudica blooms are larger than P. carcasana but still white with yellow center. Unusual spoon shaped foliage similar to Plumeria pudica. It grows into a medium tree. The huge perfumed flowers are held erect in bunches on long stalks high above the foliage. Similar to P.pudica although it has stiffer & broader leaves which are readily discernible as being different to P. pudica. The petals are less round & have a large yellow centre. It is a much nicer species than P. pudica in my opinion. Some seedlings have slightly scented flowers. P. caracassana is another Plumeria obtusa and nothing more. Richard Eggenberger in his book indicates that the correct name of Plumeria pudica is actually Plumeria caracassana. Pudica meaning pure, is a name used considerably in older descriptions referring to any pure white Plumerias originating in Central America and in the Caribbeans. The name caracassana means that the species that we know as P. pudica was named after its place of origin, Venezuela and its capital Caracas. P. caracasana hybrids are awesome. Typically they have very large perfumed flowers, unusually long graceful, frond like evergreen foliage which is completely frangipani rust free or highly rust resistant. They are small trees/large shrubs. This very rare new group of evergreen frangipanis is far more cold tolerant than the obtusa evergreen frangipanis. Buds have brown color on the tip before blooming. The veining on the back side is very pronounced too.

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Quick Facts

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