Pinwheel Flower
About the Pinwheel Flower in Singapore
Last updated 15 June 2026
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The Pinwheel Flower (Tabernaemontana divaricata), also widely known as Crepe Jasmine, is a beautiful and incredibly common ornamental shrub found throughout Singapore's parks, gardens, HDB estates, and roadside plantings.
Identifying features
Check out some identifying features of the Pinwheel Flower!
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The Pinwheel Flower features pure white blooms with five slightly ruffled, waxy petals that overlap in a distinct spiral swirl or "pinwheel" shape. These striking flowers contrast heavily with its glossy, deep green, oval-shaped leaves that grow in opposite pairs. If you look closely at a naturally broken leaf or stem, you will notice a sticky, milky-white sap oozing out (a key identification feature for this plant)!
Habitat and ecology
This hardy, sun-loving evergreen shrub thrives in Singapore's tropical climate. It is heavily cultivated in urban green spaces, school gardens, and park connectors for its dense, leafy structure and reliable, year-round blooming.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How do I tell the difference between the Pinwheel Flower (Crepe Jasmine) and true Jasmine?
Despite its common name "Crepe Jasmine" and its sweetly scented flowers, the Pinwheel Flower isn't a true jasmine at all! It actually belongs to the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), which is the same family as the Frangipani.
The easiest way to tell them apart in the field is by looking at the plant's habit and sap. True jasmines are often climbing or scrambling plants with normal, clear plant sap. The Pinwheel Flower, on the other hand, are upright shrubs that bleeds a thick, milky-white latex when a leaf or stem is damaged.
Did you know?
The Pinwheel Flower is most fragrant after the sun goes down! Because of their bright white color and their tendency to release a sweet scent at night, these flowers are specifically adapted to attract nocturnal pollinators who navigate the dark gardens by following the smell.
Learn more about the Pinwheel Flower!
Curious about the Pinwheel Flower? Here are some interesting articles you can read to learn more about them.
