Greek hedys – sweet or pleasant, scepe – covering, referring to the common name Umbrella Palm.

A single species genus. For description see H. canterburyana.

Seeds germinate erratically over 5-18 months.

1 species on Lord Howe Island.

Source: Jones, D; Spencer, R. (2005). Arecaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.