Friday, December 2, 2011

Kalachuchi

Scientific NamesPlumeria acuminata Air, Plumeria alba Blanco, Plumeria acutifolia Poir
Common NamesFlor de Mayo (Mexico), Temple flower (Engl.),Kalatsutsi (Tag.), Mian zhi zi (Chin.)


This beautiful red flower is called kalachuchi. Plumeria Acuminata is the scientific name of kalachuchi. In some countries, kalachuchi symbolizes death but in Nicaragua and Laos, kalachuchi is their national flower. 

Kalachuchi is a small tree that grows 4-8 meters high with oval shaped leaves that grow 20-40 centimeters long. The trunk is usually colored off white on the outer layer, and when you scratch it will reveal the dark green color. 

In some scientific studies, the bark of kalachuchi contains bitter glucoside plumierid which is used as a purgative.In some parts of the glove, the calcium salt-containing latex when mixed in coconut oil is used to cure tooth-ache and as itchiness remedy.

Kalachuchi flower is a source of perfume called "Frangipani". Here in the Philippines, Kalachuchi is grown as ornamental plant.  But elders have a superstitious belief that the kalachuchi tree when planted causes damage in good relationships. No matter what they say about kalachuchi, this flower has a glamorous attraction to everyone's eyes.  There are different colors of kalachuchi flowers such as: pink, red and white. 

Kalachuchi is easy to grow in ordinary soil. It doesn't require watering although sometimes when heat strikes in the Philippines, you have to water it at least once a week.




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