This entry encompasses multiple cultivars with historical significance. One form produces 4-inch creamy white flowers with large yellow center and red band on rim with citrus fragrance on medium-growing tree. In hot Texas sun becomes beautiful yellow. Robust tree, easy to root. Large 4 to 5-inch white flower with big yellow center and pointed petals combined with good texture and fragrance. Red band on backside very striking. Flowers are oblong with rounded tips. Sets seed. An old time favorite released by JL Farms, given by Donald Angus who collected it from Mary Kawena Pukui. Starlight was the most popular lei-making flower in early Hawaii and favorite among hula dancers at Waikiki during war years. Aunty Kawena grew this tree for flowers used in her performances as court dancer for King Kalakaua and Queen Lili'uokalani. Celandine was equally popular lei-making flower. Related Starlite: large, substantial white flower with coconut fragrance.
Appearance
4 to 5 inches, white with large yellow center and red band on rim or backside. Pointed petals, oblong with rounded tips.
Historic Hawaiian lei and hula cultivar. Released by JL Farms. Given by Donald Angus from collection of Mary Kawena Pukui. Celandine was equally popular lei variety.
Also Known As
Details
Growth Habit
medium
Species
P. rubra
Sets Seed
Yes
Source
JL
Size (in)
4-5
Fragrance Strength
sweet perfume, citrus
Anecdotal Notes
Diana
white with yellow center. Red band on rim. Sweet perfume scent. Big 4" creamy flowers with large yellow center. Backs of petals have a red band. Citrus fragrance. Medium growing tree. A bloom too large for leis. Hula dancers wear it in their hair. In the hot Texas sun it is a beautiful yellow. Robust tree. Easy to root. This old time favorite plumeria was given to JL Farms by Donald Angus who had collected it from his dear friend Mary Kawena Pukui for whom a plumeria has already been named. She ranks with Gladys Kamakakuokalani Brandt as a major player in her love and appreciation of the people of Hawaii. Starlight and Celandine were the most popular lei making flowers in early Hawaii. It was also a favorite among hula dancers at Waikiki during the war years. Large 4-5" white flower with big yellow center and pointed petals combined with a good texture and fragrance. Its defining red band on the backside is very striking. Because Aunty Kawena loved hula and was a court dancer for King Kalakaua and Queen Lili'uokalani, she grew this tree in her yard for flowers to be used in her performances. It was released by JL Farms many years ago. Nice 4" flower, white with large yellow center. Red band on backside of petals visible from the front. Petals are oblong with rounded tips. Sets seed.