Frangipani

White, waxy flowers with yellow centres and a sweet scent – a symbol of the sincerity and joy of life of the Lao people.

Frangipani is a small tree with thick, fleshy branches full of milky sap and large leaves clustered at the tips of the shoots. Its five-petalled, waxy flowers – white, yellow, pink or red depending on the variety – are strongly scented, especially in the evening. It comes from Central America, from where it reached Asia centuries ago and became one of the most popular ornamental trees. In the dry season it often sheds its leaves but keeps flowering on bare branches.

Significance in the country

Dok champa is the official national flower of Laos – Lao people weave it into garlands and temple offerings and present it to guests, and songs, hotels and a beer bear its name. In tradition it symbolises sincerity and the joy of life.

Where it grows

Planted throughout the country – especially in temple courtyards in Luang Prabang and Vientiane and in the gardens of village houses along the Mekong.

More: Wikipedia (en)