Frangipani

#### Plumeria Acutifolia. One of the most beautiful trees and shrubs of the tropical and semi-tropical zones is the **Frangipanni**, a name given to several species of **Plumeria**. They belong to the genus of Apocynaceae, among which we find very few perfume plants but a number of decorative plants, e.g. the **Nerium**** ****Oleander**** **which grows wild in abundance all over the temperate zones of the world. A botanical cousin, **Acocanthera Abyssinica **was used until very recently by the natives of central East Africa for poison darts and arrows. In India, the most common **Plumeria**** **is the **Acutifolia**** **which is not quite as fragrant as the **Alba**** **or the **Rubra **(see **Plumeria Rubra, **next monograph). The flowers are about 2 ½ cms. in diameter, and form an umbel-like cluster at the terminal branches. The five petals are fan-shaped or propeller-shaped, and they open over a period of several weeks, a fact which makes the tree interesting as a decorative plant. Their delightful fragrance is somewhat reminiscent of orange flower, honeysuckle and gardenia, although not strictly indolic of character. Surprisingly enough, there is no regular production of perfume oil from these flowers. More than 50 years ago, extractions were undertaken on a small and experimental scale. This was at the great perfumery period of Charles Gamier, (although he was not responsible for the extraction of frangipanni). Further experiments are, however, now being carried out in India of the flowers of **Plumeria**** ****Acutifolia**, and in China on the flowers of other species (see following monograph). It is possible that petroleum ether extracts (concrètes) and absolutes may become available in the near future. If so, the **Plumeria**** ****Absolute**** **would undoubtedly find application in fine perfumery along with the absolutes of jasmin, tuberose, orange flower, ylang-ylang, etc. for sweet-floral, rich and natural notes, in neroli-modifications, fantasy bouquets, Oriental florals, etc. In India, experiments with oil-infusions of the flowers have been carried out. Oil-infusions of various flowers are often used as such in East Indian cosmetic preparations.