Hymenosporum flavum
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Hymenosporum flavum, Geelong Botanic Gardens, Victoria, Australia
Photograph by Melburnian. Some rights reserved.
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NATIVE FRANGIPANI FACTS
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Common Name
Native Frangipani
Description
The Native Frangipani is the only member of the genus Hymenosporum and is closely related to the Pittosporum. In tropical parts of its range it can grow to 25m tall with a diameter of 30cm. In cultivation it is a small slender tree to 10m tall with rough grey bark. It has sparse branches growing in whorls from the trunk. The leaves are dark green and glossy and are similar to Pittosporum leaves. The obovate leaves are 7cm to 15cm long, and grow in clusters at the ends of the twigs. The tree flowers in spring to early summer, producing fragrant, cream open flowers. The flowers darken with age becoming yellow, and sometimes have a reddish centre. The common name refers to the flower appearance which is similar in size and shape to the frangipani. Fruits are hard brown capsules containing packed layers of brown, papery seeds.
Height
2m - 10m (to 25m in tropical forest)
Spread
3m - 5m
Habitat
rainforest, tall open forest.
Propagation
Propagation is usually carried out from fresh seed which germinates readily but cuttings are also successful.
Wildlife Interest
attracts insect eating birds
Distribution
eastern New South Wales from the Hunter River northwards to around Atherton in Queensland. Also occurs in New Guinea.
Classification
| Class: | Magnoliopsida | | Order: | Apiales | | Family: | Pittosporaceae | | Genus: | Hymenosporum | | Species: | flavum | | Common Name: | Native Frangipani |
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