The Frangipani is part of the phylum Magnoliophyta which is also called angiosperms. "Angio" means covered and "sperm" means seed, so the reproductive organs are protected. Overall, angiosperms are more resistant to drought and cold because of the extra protection that they exhibit. As stated in Nutrition, the best conditions for the Frangipani to reproduce are slightly acidic soil, warm temperatures, and they do not need a lot water to survive.

Also, because their seed is covered, the pollination process is more selective. Unlike pollen in gymnosperms, "naked seeds", which can be pollinated by wind and water and end up anywhere, the seeds are protected by a fruit when they are dispersed.

Angiosperms are flowering plants, and their flowers allow for specialized means of pollen transfer. Specifically, Frangipani possess highly perfumed flowers which surely attract humans and other little critters in the garden. They also bear seeds that are enclosed in a fruit. As you can see in the picture to the left, pollination occurs when the pollen enters the ovary via the stigma of the plant. When the sperm reaches the ovary, fertilization takes place. The ovule, which is found in the ovary, then develops into the seed. You can also see in the picture that the ovary stays around the ovule and is a protective covering for the seed. (Think of an apple... we consider the apple the fruit, then once we eat it the seeds are exposed on the inside of the fruit.) Then the seed grows and grows until eventually it attaches to something such as an animal or human, or maybe it is carried away by wind or water. Frangipani are unique in that not every plant produces fruit which are in the form of a seed pod. The fruit is a dry, brown seed pod that can range in size from 15-30 cm.



To see how other organisms use and interact with the Frangipani, visit the next page!



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