Description
''Hymenosporum flavum'' is a semi-deciduous tree up to high and a trunk diameter (Diameter at breast height, DBH) to . The Glossary of leaf morphology#obovate, obovate leaves are Glossary of leaf morphology#simple , simple, Phyllotaxis#Leaf arrangement, alternate, glossy green above and lighter below. They measure up to long by wide. and are clustered towards the ends of the branches in pseudo-whorls. The very fragrant flowers are quite large, about diameter with a hypanthium , floral tube up to long. They are initially functionally male, and coloured white with lemon tinges. Over a period of about 5 days the Stigma (botany), stigma begins to develop and the stamens curl away. At the same time the colour deepens until the fully functioning female flower is golden yellow with red/purple track lines in the throat. The fruit is a Dehiscence (botany), dehiscent, two-chambered Capsule (fruit), capsule, black/brown, densely hairy and about wide and long. Seeds are about long with a wing. They are numerous, and stacked together to fill each chamber.Phenology
Flowering occurs from early spring to early summer, and the fruit ripen around May.Taxonomy
This species was first described in 1854 by the England, English botanist and illustrator William Jackson Hooker as ''Pittosporum flavum''. In 1860 the Germany, German born Australian botanist Ferdinand von Mueller transferred it to the genus ''Hymenosporum'' in his work ''Fragmenta phytographiae Australiae, Fragmenta phytographiæ Australiæ''.Etymology
The genus name ''Hymenosporum'' is derived from the Ancient Greek words wikt:ῠ̔μήν#Noun, humḗn, meaning membrane, and wikt:σπορά#Ancient Greek, sporā́, meaning seed. It is a reference to the winged seeds. The Botanical name#Binary name, species epithet ''flavum'' is from the Latin wikt:flavus#Adjective, flāvus, yellow, and refers to the flower colour.Cultivation
Native frangipani is widely cultivated and usually grows to around 8 metres in height although it can grow to over 20 metres tall in the rainforest. It can be grown in shaded positions, but flowers best in full sun. In Australia, the tree is commonly planted in suburban streets, in shopping boulevards and in walkways between tall buildings. It prefers a well-drained soil with a high organic content, but is highly adaptable. Very young seedlings are easily killed by frosts but if kept in a sheltered position until about 1–1.5 metres high, will thrive in cooler areas, as long as they have access to water during hot dry spells. ''Hymenosporum flavum'' is included in the Tasmanian Fire Service's list of low flammability plants, indicating that it is suitable for growing within a building protection zone.Gallery
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