Plumeria caracasana J.R.Johnst

Plumeria caracasana J.R.Johnst

Scientific Name: Plumeria caracasana
• Family: Apocynaceae
• Genus: Plumeria
• Species: caracasana
• Common name : Fiddle leaf Plumaria, Culcutta Champakam
• Habitat: Plumeria caracasana thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.
Key Characteristics of Plumeria caracasana (Fiddle Leaf Plumeria)
• Growth Form: A small to medium-sized deciduous tree or shrub.
• Leaves: The leaves are broad, large, and distinctive, shaped somewhat like a fiddle or violin, with a smooth, glossy surface.
• Flowers: The flowers are large, fragrant, and often white or cream with a yellow center, sometimes tinged with pink at the edges.
• Fruit: Long, slender pods (follicles) containing seeds with silky hairs that help in dispersal.
• Bark: Smooth, grayish bark with a relatively smooth texture when mature.

Medicinal Uses
Like other Plumeria species, Plumeria caracasana has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, although it should be noted that some parts of the plant can be toxic if used improperly.
1. Anti-inflammatory: Used in herbal medicine to treat inflammation and reduce swelling in certain conditions.
2. Pain Relief: The milky latex produced by the plant has been used topically for relieving muscle pain and bruises.
3. Wound Healing: The sap or latex has been used in folk medicine to treat wounds, cuts, and minor skin infections.
4. Respiratory Issues: Some cultures use the plant to treat colds, coughs, and other respiratory issues, though this is mostly based on traditional knowledge.
5. Skin Conditions: The latex is sometimes applied to treat warts, fungal infections, and other minor skin ailments.
6. Antioxidant and Antimicrobial: There is some evidence to suggest that Plumeria caracasana may have mild antioxidant properties, contributing to its use in traditional remedies.