Plumeria Variety Compendium: Names, Descriptions, and Grower Notes

The document is a compilation of information about various plumeria varieties. It includes descriptions of flower colors, sizes, fragrances, and growth habits, as well as cultural significance across different countries. Additionally, the source provides insights into naming conventions used by growers and nurseries. The information has been collected from public resources by Diana Donnellan, likely for the purpose of cataloging and clarifying plumeria characteristics. The goal seems to be to help enthusiasts identify and differentiate among a wide range of plumeria types.

Okay, here’s a briefing document based on the provided excerpts from the plumeria resource:

Briefing Document: Plumeria Variety Information

Source: Excerpts from “https://www.floridacolorsplumeria.com/product_images/Plumeria-Names-2022-v1.pdf” (Diana Donnellan’s Compilation) Plumeria-Names-2022-v1

Introduction:

This document summarizes key themes and information extracted from a compilation of plumeria variety details. The compilation is presented as a continuously updated, crowdsourced collection of information from various online sources, personal opinions, and observations, and there’s a clear disclaimer about the varying accuracy and potential conflicts within the data. It emphasizes the vast number of plumeria varieties and highlights specific traits, origins, and anecdotal information about them.

Main Themes and Ideas:

1. Data Sourcing and Disclaimers:

• The document explicitly states its reliance on unstructured data from the internet, forums, Facebook groups, and personal communications. It acknowledges the potential for inaccuracies, conflicting information, and the use of hyperbole in the original sources.
• “Content Disclaimer: I didn’t sit down and create most of this information myself – it’s a compilation (called ‘unstructured data’) from many internet sources plus friend’s personal opinions, websites such as the PSA, vendor sites (hyperbole removed), forums (hyperbole retained), Facebook groups, Gardenweb plus personal observations…I do not attempt to verify information for accuracy, and sometimes you will see repetitive comments – these are deliberately included to give me confidence in the content.”
• The information is updated daily and notes that no one knows everything.

1. Binomial Nomenclature and Variety Naming:

• The document explains the scientific naming convention for plants, emphasizing the use of Latin genus and species names. It clarifies that variety or cultivar names cannot be Latin.
• “All organisms like plants, animals, fish, algae, moss and humans are named using a binomial system of two Latin words. One for the genus, and the other for the species. All other names are for varieties or cultivars and they cannot be Latin.”

1. Plumeria Rust Resistance:

• The text distinguishes between different plumeria species regarding their resistance to plumeria rust. Plumeria rubra trees are generally not rust resistant unless they are growing near yellow street lights. Plumerias native to the Caribbean are mostly resistant to plumeria rust.
• “The native Plumerias of the Caribbean are mostly resistant to Plumeria rust (commonly called ‘species’…dd). The Plumeria rubra trees are generally not resistant to that dreadful rust unless they are growing in close proximity of yellow street lights.”
• There is ongoing work at Florida Colors Nursery in developing Plumeria rubra seedlings with rust resistance.

1. Seed Pod Ripening and Viability:

• The document provides practical advice for handling plumeria seed pods: pods must ripen on the tree, and to use a panty hose or citrus bag to catch the seeds when the pod opens.
• “Pods must ripen on the tree… In spring, use a fine net, panty hose or citrus bag to draw up around the pod. This will catch the seeds if the pod opens while you’re not looking.”
• Viable seeds can be identified by their firmness, with a hard pointy end that shouldn’t be broken.
• “How can I tell if seeds are viable? Feel them. The pointy end should be hard. Don’t break them, which will make them unviable.”

1. Variety-Specific Information (Examples):

• The bulk of the document consists of detailed entries for individual plumeria varieties. These entries often include:
• Flower color and size
• Fragrance descriptions (e.g., “strong perfume fragrance, like White Shoulders perfume,” “sweet coconut fragrance,” “salsa”)
• Growth habit (e.g., “short grower,” “tall grower,” “compact”)
• Blooming characteristics (e.g., “prolific bloomer,” “early bloomer,” “long bloom season”)
• Origin information (e.g., “from Bali, Indonesia,” “Florida Colors Nursery seedling”)
• Synonyms and alternate names
• Unique characteristics (e.g. pagoda tips, sealing over, sensitive to soil compaction, propensity to drop buds)
• Whether it sets seed
• Examples:
• “Amy Maui #335 yellow white, peach color. Very strong perfume fragrance, like White Shoulders perfume. Recommended for fragrance.”
• “Angus #3 aka Angus Selection #3, Curly Red, possibly Polynesian Red. Hot pink with darker radiating lines throughout folded back petals, golden center. Sweet spicy fragrance! Most desirable plumeria for fragrance.”
• “Bali Hai Gold aka Cendana. Scent is Singapore, wisteria, spicy, unique. Most desirable plumeria for fragrance, and averages between 50 – 100 florets per inflorescence.”
• “Buddha Blessing. Yellow/orange center that radiates out to white and red petals, 3”, Twisting and curling oval shaped petals. Very Sweet Scent. Amazing color combination and good keeping quality. Sets seed.”
• “Bud’s Sally aka Cal Sally nice looking pink with dark pink edge on right side and yellow center. 3.5″ – 4” with a sweet fragrance. Very good keeping quality. Very good grower with strong wood…Smells like salsa.”
• “Gina tends to produce leaves first then buds. As spectacular a pink 3-4” as you will ever see, so much so that someone even went to the trouble to steal it from our garden.”
• “George Brown would be one of the most popular varieties in Australia and named after the Lord Mayor of Darwin. Unfortunately it was sold under the wrong name of musk rainbow for a number of years and still today, people think George Brown and musk rainbow are different varieties.”

1. Thai Word Traslations:

• There is a list of Thai word translations and common meanings, as many of the plumeria names come from Thailand.
• *Mai means silk
• Manee = ruby
• Mhuang means ‘City’ Muang means purple
• Mong-Kud = crown*

Important Considerations:

• Reliability: Due to the nature of the source material, it’s crucial to verify any critical information with more reliable sources before making decisions based solely on this document. The author explicitly disclaims responsibility for accuracy.
• Climate Variability: The document warns that advice can vary greatly depending on the climate. “The worst advice I ever got… was actually excellent advice… for someone in a different climate”

Conclusion:

This compilation serves as a broad but potentially unreliable catalog of plumeria varieties. It’s a useful starting point for exploring the diversity of plumerias, but readers should exercise caution and seek confirmation from authoritative sources before relying on the information provided.

Plumeria FAQ

1. What is the best way to interpret plumeria information, considering conflicting advice?

The best approach is to understand that plumeria care and characteristics can vary greatly depending on climate and local conditions. The advice that works for one grower in one location may not be suitable for another. Consider your specific environment and experiment to find what works best for you.

2. How are plumeria named and classified?

Plumeria are named using a binomial system of two Latin words for the genus and species. Varieties or cultivars have names that cannot be Latin. Species and non-Rubra varieties are listed as P. species.

3. How do I know when to harvest plumeria seed pods and how to check for viable seeds?

Allow pods to ripen fully on the tree before harvesting. Ripe pods will detach with very little sap loss. To protect seeds from scattering when the pod opens, enclose the pod in a fine net, panty hose, or citrus bag in the spring. To determine seed viability, feel the seeds for firmness. The pointy end should be hard. If you break open a firm seed, you should see the cotyledons (the first ‘leaves’) inside.

4. How do I distinguish between similar plumeria names, especially those with abbreviations like JL and JJ?

Pay close attention to the details and sources. “JL” refers to Jim Little, while “JJ” refers to Jungle Jack. Other examples include B and B Exotics Plumeria (B&B) vs. Brads Buds and Blooms (BBB). Confirm the correct seed grower or vendor to avoid confusion.

5. What is the significance of “splash” in plumeria names?

A “splash” anomaly refers to when a flower develops unexpected color patterns or markings, adding to its uniqueness. It’s an inconsistency in coloration and a sign of the special nature of some plumeria.

6. What is the best way to propagate Plumeria?

Plumeria is best propagated from cuttings and by grafting. Grafting is used for difficult-to-root varieties such as Ulu Pandan.

7. How can I control my plumeria’s growth?

Carefully pruning can control upward growth and make room for other plants. Plumeria do well if cared for and given attention.

8. What’s the history of plumeria cultivation in Darwin, Australia, and who was George Brown?

George Brown was instrumental in re-establishing Darwin’s botanical gardens after Cyclone Tracy devastated them in 1974. He served as Curator of the Gardens for many years and later became the Lord Mayor of Darwin. His contributions to the city’s green spaces led to the renaming of the gardens in his honor. However, a commercial grower, DJ, sold George Brown under the wrong name of Musk Rainbow for a number of years.