Perianth
Flower trait
Definition: Collectively, sepals and petals form the perianth. The technical term for the envelope that surrounds the reproductive parts of a flower.
How it applies to plumeria: Perianth can describe the bloom, inflorescence, fragrance, or flower structure of a plumeria. Flower traits are some of the most useful comparison clues, especially when they are recorded with bloom age, season, sun exposure, and location.
What to look for: Compare mature blooms from several photos when possible. Note the center color, petal shape, petal overlap, color pattern, fragrance, bloom size, and whether the color fades, intensifies, or changes with heat and sun.
Identification note: This term is one clue. A plumeria should be compared using all available traits, photos, source history, and growing context rather than a single characteristic.
- Glossary: CorollaCorolla: The inner perianth of a flower. The corolla typically surrounds the reproductive parts of the flower. It may be continuous as in a petunia, lobed,... Plumeria context is explained on the term page.
- Glossary: CalyxCalyx: The outer perianth of a flower. The calyx surrounds the corolla, and is typically divided into lobes called sepals. Plumeria context is explained on the term page.