Hymenosporum flavum (Hook.) F. Muell.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘One of the finest species yet known of the genus.  Specimens were some time ago sent to us as gathered at Port Stephens, East Australia, by Alan Cunningham.  More recently we have received specimens from the late Mr. Bidwill, collected in the Wide Bay district, and a drawing from Captain Philip King, who considered it would form the type of a new genus: but we do not see how it differs generically from Pittosporum.  The seeds, however, which we have not seen, are said to be winged: and the name proposed for it was ‘Hymenosporum’  Our plants, introduced by Mr. Bidwill, flowered in February 1854.’  [BM t.4799/1854 as Pittosporum flavum].

History at Camden Park

‘The Pittosporaceous plant will undoubtedly form a new genus.  I enclose a capsule with seeds.  It forms a very handsome plant with clusters of bright yellow flowers with tubes perhaps 1½ inches long with the corolla about one inch in diameter.  It was first noticed by Mr. Bidwill, he has I believe recently described it, but I have not heard the name.  I saw it in beautiful bloom at Port Stephens in October last about 8 or 9 feet high.  It is apt to grow naked if not frequently stopped back.’  Macarthur to James Backhouse, 24th February, 1849.  [MP A2933-1, p.189].  There are several in the gardens at Camden Park including a fine mature specimen in the Edmund Blake Garden.

Notes