The sole included species is Hymenosporum flavum, commonly known as native frangipani, found in the rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests of New Guinea, Queensland and New South Wales.

In 1860 the German born Australian botanist Ferdinand von Mueller transferred it to the genus Hymenosporum in his work Fragmenta phytographiæ Australiæ.

[citation needed] In Australia, the tree is commonly planted in suburban streets, in shopping boulevards and in walkways between tall buildings.

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.

[citation needed] 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.