FRANGIPANI ABSOLUTE

Latin Binomial: Plumeria obtusa
Plant Part: Flower
Extraction: Absolute
Growing Practice: Wild
Country of Origin: W.I. French
Odor Type: FLORAL

Odor Characteristic:The absolute is a slightly viscous liquid with a heavy, creamy floral and certain green note on top. Some times there can be a coffee ghost note. Dry down is heavy floral, green and peachy.

About the Plant

Frangipani is the name given to flowers of the species Plumeria and to the Absolute. Plumeria (Frangipani) is a deciduous shrub indigenous to the tropical Americas and has spread to all tropical areas of the world. It is related to Oleander and produces a similar milky sap. Plumeria obtusa has distinct leaves, narrow and corrugated with flowers most fragrant at night pollinated by sphinx moths searching for nonexistent nectar (Plumeria has none). The common names are plentiful, depending on the location of the sourced plant and Frangipani is often confused with Champaca. One of the most beautiful trees and shrubs of the tropical and semi-tropical zones, Plumeria is related to the Oleander. This exquisite flower's native habitat is Mexico, Central America and Venezuela and has now spread to all tropical areas of the world, especially Hawaii, where it is so abundant that people think it is indigenous.

History

Plumeria - named in honor of Charles Plumier (1646-1704), French Franciscan monk, botanist and traveler who visited Martinique, Guadeloupe and Haiti in 1689 and 1690.

The flowers are used in garlands in Hawaii, and as offerings in Buddhist temples. The latex (milky sap) has been used to treat warts. The odor is reminiscent of neroli and gardenia, extraordinarily sweet and tenacious beyond measure. Works nicely in Oriental florals.

Aromatherapy:

Perfumery:

Perfumer Liz Zorn has graciously provided her evaluation for this product:

MONOGRAPH PLUMERIA OBTUSA - FRANGIPANNI absolute

Blotter Test - 100% 6 days. The scent remains strong and diffusive for three days, fading to a light essence over the next few days.

Blotter Test - 10% in 190 proof ethanol 2 days, fading significantly after the second day.

Skin Test: 10% in 190 proof ethanol. Four hours. Tested three times. Once with an undercoat of FC Oil.

Scent Profile: At 10% dilution: A slightly sweet and spicy cinnamic opening with a floral note reminiscent of Orange Blossom absolute, Mimosa, the green notes of Gardenia and to a lesser degree jasmine Sambac. There is a detectible fruitiness perhaps a mix of apricot and melon. The first few minutes are very fresh and expansive. The spiciness continues into the drydown which is deeper, with notes of freshly turned earth, hay, tea and honey. In the final stages there is the slightest hint of tire rubber and candle wax, sitting just under the earthy note and a bit of the initial sweetness holding it all together.

A very complex and inspiring essence.

Although I have not used it in formulation I would expect that it could be used successfully at levels up to 10%. And would make for an interesting soliflore, with just a hint of added mossy notes in the base and a touch of citrus in the top.

NOTE: There doesn't seem to be a lot of information available on this particular variety of Plumeria as an absolute. I tried to find a head space analysis to detail the particular molecules, but was not so lucky.

You can find Liz's lovely aromatic wares at http://www.lizzornperfumes.com/

The information provided on these pages is not a substitute for necessary medical care, nor intended as medical advice. Always keep aromatic extracts tightly closed and in a cool, dark place, out of reach of children. Never ingest aromatic extracts. Always dilute aromatic extracts when applying topically and avoid areas around eyes or mucous membranes. If redness or irritation occurs, stop using immediately and contact your health provider if necessary.