Frangipani trees (Plumeria) are those trees with white, pink, yellow or red flowers that perfume the gardens and streets of southern Tenerife. Very present in Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje and in hotels and villas, they are part of the daily landscape as soon as the climate becomes hot and dry.
Each flower has five thick, waxy petals with an often colorful center. Their sweet and gentle fragrance is particularly strong in the evening and early morning. Contrary to what many think, these are not plants of local origin: they come from Central America and were introduced to the Canaries in the 19th century. Today, they thrive perfectly thanks to the subtropical climate of the south of the island. In full bloom (mainly from May to October), they add a colorful and fragrant touch to your walks.
- Scientific name: Plumeria (several species including Plumeria rubra and Plumeria obtusa).
- Height: between 3 and 6 meters on the island, depending on age and maintenance.
- Flowering: mainly from May to October, lighter the rest of the year.
- Fragrance: very pronounced, especially in late afternoon and evening.
- Resilience: tolerates drought well but fears cold (temperatures below 10°C).
- Local use: flowers often used to make necklaces (lei) or in hotel decoration.
- Toxicity: the white sap that comes out of the branches is irritating to the skin and toxic if ingested.
- Best time: June to September to see the maximum number of flowers open.
- Where to see them in quantity: gardens of the Jardin Tropical hotel (Costa Adeje), Siam Park, or a walk through the residential areas of Fanabe and San Eugenio.
- How to get there: rental car recommended. From the south, everything is accessible in 5 to 20 minutes.
- With whom: ideal for families or couples. Children love picking up flowers fallen on the ground (without picking them from the tree).
- Photo tip: morning or late afternoon light for beautiful colors without too much contrast.