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Hymenosporum

Scientific Name: Hymenosporum

Family: Pittosporaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Hymenosporum flavum: A Fragrant Australian Native

Hymenosporum flavum, commonly known as Native Frangipani, Queensland Frangipani, Sweet Cheesewood, Sweetshade, or Australian Frangipani, is a slender, fast-growing evergreen tree prized for its fragrant flowers and lush foliage.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant has flowers that are fragrant, which may attract pets.
  • This plant can be grown as a tree or shrub.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant can be grown as a tree or shrub.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Hymenosporum flavum (Hook.) F.Muell.
  • Family: Pittosporaceae (pittosporum family)
  • The genus Hymenosporum is monotypic, meaning Hymenosporum flavum is its only species.
  • Synonyms: Hymenosporum flavum (Hook.) F.Muell.
  • The name Hymenosporum comes from the Greek words "hymen" (membrane) and "spora" (seed), referring to the winged seeds. The specific epithet flavum is Latin for "yellow," describing the flower color.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Hymenosporum flavum is native to the rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales in Australia and New Guinea.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It's an evergreen tree that can grow to a height of 10-20 meters (approximately 30-60 feet), with some sources suggesting up to 40 feet.
  • The tree has a medium to fast growth rate.
  • Leaves are glossy, rich green, oval shaped and soft thin textured, ranging from 8-16cm in length, broadest above the middle, and are arranged alternately on the stem.
  • It produces highly fragrant flower clusters that start cream-colored and mature to yellow.
  • "Lushious" and "Gold Nugget" are dwarf cultivars, with "Gold Nugget" being a dwarf shrub.

Quirky Facts

  • The flowers' scent is often compared to that of Frangipani, suggesting a similar fragrance profile, despite not being directly related.
  • The plant has a somewhat unpredictable growth habit but usually stays upright and fairly narrow.

Further Information

  • This plant is grown in locations such as the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia, CA, Santa Barbara, CA, and Cal Poly.
  • Hymenosporum flavum is available for order from Big Trees, Nelson, New Zealand.