Hymenosporum
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Hymenosporum flavum | ||||||||||||||
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Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
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Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
Hymenosporum flavum (Hook.) F.Muell. |
Hymenosporum flavum, or Native Frangipani, is a rainforest tree which is native to Queensland and New South Wales in Australia. It is the sole species within the genus Hymenosporum.
It produces clusters of fragrant flowers in the spring which are about 5 cm in diameter. They are cream in colour, ageing to yellow and are followed by long pear-shaped seed capsules. The flowers attract bees and honey-eating birds and butterflies. It has dark green, glossy leaves which are usually around 10 cm long and 4 cm wide.
Despite its common name, it is not closly related to the frangipani.
[edit] Cultivation
Native Frangipani is widely cultivated and usually grows to around 8 metres in height (although it can grow up to 20 metres in tropical areas) and has a narrow, upright form. It can be grown in shaded positions, but flowers best in full sun. It prefers a well-drained soil with a high organic content.