THE FRANGIPANI is a small genus in the dogbane family, and it comprises about eight species from tropical America.
The flower is also known by its botanic name, plumeria, and is divided  into two main groups: The obtusa and the rubra.
Obtusa plumerias have rounded, shiny leaves, while the rubra has duller, pointed leaves. The Obtusa frangipanis generally have white flowers and a strong fragrance, while the rubra variety has colourful flowers but less scent.
Native to Central and South America, the frangipani is a mainly deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree, and has simple, smooth-edged leaves on fleshy branches.
In tropical regions, the frangipani may reach a height of 30-40 feet, and half as wide. The Frangipani flower is propeller-shaped, with a delicate yellow centre melding into the creamy-white outer petals.
Frangipani flowers are known for their unique fragrant clusters of colourful, gorgeous rose-pink blooms brushed with bronze and long-lasting flowers.
The flowers are highly-scented during nights, and often used in bouquets.
The frangipani has been one of the great plants of human adornment, its early uses being recorded by the ancient Aztecs.
Frangipani was the name of an Italian perfume used to scent gloves in the 16th Century and named after its creator, Marquis Frangipani.
When the frangipani flower was discovered, its natural perfume reminded people of the scented gloves, and so the flower was called frangipani.
The genus name, Plumeria, commemorates Charles Plumier, a 17th Century French botanist.
According to a member of the Horticultural Society of Guyana, the plant can be easily grown here.
“Its main beauty is its fragrant smell, and the flower can be planted at the entrances to homes, or near seats and benches which are used for outdoor relaxation, so that the owners can benefit from the sweet aroma.”
“Close placement to the house allows us to enjoy the fragrant aroma from inside the house as well as in the garden,” she said, adding:
“If the frangipani plants are set out in the open yard, the wind can whisk away the scent.”
Providing an enclosed space, such as a courtyard, she said, “will allow the fragrance to collect and intensify; and provide more flower power for the nose.”