Botanical Description
Singapore Grave Flower or Kalachuchi (Plumeria obtusa) is a small tree that can grow up to 12 m tall. It exudes a milky white latex much like other members of the family Apocynaceae when wounded. The tree has a smooth grey bark and a short branching trunk. The leaves are distinctly obovate and 15 to 25 cm in length, it is arranged in a spiral phyllotaxy with the leaves being concentrated towards the terminal end. The flowers have a white waxy corolla that is funnel-shaped and is yellow at the center, the flowers are also fragrant. The fruit is a pod that is cylindrical and recurved 15 to 17.5 cm long and 1.8 cm wide, initially green but turns black upon maturing, dehisces and splits on one side. The seeds are flat with a short wing on one side.
Uses:
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Landscaping:
Planted as an ornamental, commonly used for landscaping in graveyards.
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Medicinal:
The bark has diuretic properties. The latex is toxic but has laxative properties.
Cultural Importance:
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The tree is associated with the dead due to its white flowers. Its tendency to drop its flowers are likened to an offering to the dead.