Brisbane tree guide

Native frangipani

Hymenosporum flavum · also called Queensland frangipani

Native frangipani is an Australian rainforest tree, native to south-east Queensland, grown for clusters of sweetly scented flowers that open cream in spring and age to deep yellow. The name comes from flowers that look like frangipani blooms in size and shape; the tree itself is unrelated. Its slender, upright shape and glossy leaves make it a good native choice for a small garden.

Native to South East Queensland
6 to 15 m tall
Flowers September to December

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Native frangipani, from Wikimedia Commons — Photo: Jan Smith from Brisbane, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Native frangipani at a glance

Height: 6 to 15 m (up to 25 m in the wild)
Leaves: Evergreen
Flowers: Cream, yellow, September to December
Origin: Rainforest edges from the Hunter River in NSW to Atherton in north Queensland, and New Guinea
Family: Pittosporaceae

How to identify a native frangipani

A slender, upright tree, usually under 10 metres in gardens, with branches that spread from the trunk in distinct tiers. The glossy, deep green leaves are 7 to 15 cm long and cluster near the branch tips. In spring it carries loose bunches of tubular flowers about 4 cm across that open creamy white and darken to deep yellow, sometimes with a reddish centre, all strongly perfumed. Flattened, hairy brown capsules follow, packed with papery winged seeds. Despite the name, it belongs to a different plant family, Pittosporaceae, from the true frangipani.

Growing a native frangipani in Brisbane

Native frangipani grows naturally in and around rainforest along the east coast, including south-east Queensland, and Burke's Backyard lists Brisbane among the cities where it grows well. It takes full sun to dappled shade but flowers best in an open, sunny position, and prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Its narrow shape suits small yards, and it is often planted as a street tree. Shelter from strong winds helps.

Pruning and care

Native frangipani needs little pruning beyond removing dead, damaged or crossing branches, and it looks best when allowed to keep its natural tiered shape. Water young trees through dry spells and mulch to keep the soil moist and rich in organic matter; established trees cope with dry weather if they get some extra water. It tolerates moderate frost once established. The compact 'Gold Nugget' form, a shrub of about a metre, responds well to pruning and can be clipped as a low hedge.

Native frangipani: your questions

Short answers, from the sources below.

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How tall does a native frangipani grow?

In gardens a native frangipani is usually a slender tree up to about 10 metres, though Burke's Backyard puts it at around 15 metres in cultivation. In the wild it can reach 25 metres.

When does native frangipani flower?

It flowers through spring and sometimes into early summer. The scented flowers open creamy white and turn deep yellow as they age.

Is native frangipani related to frangipani?

No. It gets the name from its sweetly scented flowers, which are about the size and shape of frangipani flowers. It is an Australian rainforest tree in a different family, Pittosporaceae.

Is native frangipani good for small gardens?

Yes. Its narrow, upright growth suits small gardens, and it flowers best in an open, sunny position with reasonably well-drained soil.

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Sources and credits

Photo: Jan Smith from Brisbane, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Checked October 2026. Weed listings and council rules change: check the council's and the Queensland Government's pages before you act.