Frangipani

This is the fragrant 'temple flower' that grows throughout the year on the Frangipani or Plumeria tree. Varieties of the tree can be found near many a Hindu temple ('kovil') in Jaffna, and many a Buddhist temple in the South. It seems to symbolise all manner of good things: perfection, purity, variety, harmony, renewal, serenity, even everlasting life to some, endless sorrow to others. It grows all over the Tropics, and is a popular choice for Hawaiian leis, I learn from this Sri Lankan picture gallery.