The Differences Between Red Bean Tree Flowers and Frangipani Flowers
In the streets and alleys of southern cities, both red bean tree flowers and frangipani flowers are common ornamental flowers that are highly appreciated. These two plants, whose names both contain the character "flower," are often mistaken for one another, but they actually have significant differences in terms of family, genus, and floral and leaf morphology. Mastering their key features will allow you to easily distinguish them the next time you encounter them.
Four Dimensions to Distinguish Between the Two Flowers
Differences in Family and Genus
As a representative of the red bean tree genus in the Fabaceae family, the red bean tree flower has typical butterfly-shaped flower characteristics, with its lignified branches presenting a deep brown color and the bark having longitudinal cracks. The folk name "Full Branch Red" originates from the spectacular sight of the branches densely covered with flower buds when in bloom.
The frangipani belongs to the Plumeria genus in the Apocynaceae family, with thick and fleshy stems that exude white sap when broken. This tropical plant is often used as an offering flower in temples in Southeast Asian regions and is also known as the "Temple Tree."
Comparison of Flower Morphology
The red bean tree flower forms a raceme inflorescence in clusters, with each individual flower about 1.5 centimeters in size, with purple petals arranged in butterfly wings. Its unique feature is the "flowers before leaves" characteristic, where, in early spring, the bare branches suddenly burst into a purple mist, creating a strong visual impact.
The Differences Between Red Bean Tree Flowers and Frangipani Flowers
The frangipani flower has an umbel inflorescence diameter that can reach 15 centimeters, with 5 petals spirally arranged that have a gradient effect. The creamy white outer petals enclose a bright yellow center, resembling a scrambled egg, which is also the origin of the "frangipani" name.
Leaf Growth Characteristics
The leaves of the red bean tree are in a standard heart shape, with the veins radiating palmately and the leaf edges smooth without teeth. In autumn, the leaves turn golden yellow, creating a second period of appreciation.
The frangipani has oblong leaves that can reach 40 centimeters, with a leathery surface that has a waxy sheen and clearly visible pinnate veins. In winter, the leaves will fall off collectively, presenting a growth cycle of "枯木逢春" (枯木 = dead wood; 逢春 = meeting spring).
Differences in Ecological Habits
The red bean tree flower is cold-resistant and can survive in temperatures as low as -15°C, making it suitable for planting in northern gardens. The frangipani, on the other hand, is a typical tropical plant that will suffer frost damage below 10°C and is more commonly found in the Lingnan region.
Observations show that the red bean tree flower prefers dry and sunny slopes, while the frangipani often grows in moist and fertile acidic soil. Their blooming periods are also distinctly different, with the red bean tree flower blooming from April to May and the frangipani blooming from early summer to late autumn.
After mastering these identification points, you might want to pay more attention to the landscape plants around you. The next time you encounter an early spring flower tree full of purple mist or smell the distinctive sweet scent of the frangipani, you will be able to accurately call out their names. These two flowers, each with their own characteristics, are decorating our living spaces in different ways.