Athrotaxis x laxifolia Hook.

Horticultural & Botanical History

Athrotaxis selaginoides [which see] was introduced to Britain c.1857 [Hilliers’ ].  The data given here suggests an earlier date and it is probable that these two Arthrotaxis species, if correctly identified, were the first live plants of the genus to be sent to England.  I have no specific information on the European introduction of Athrotaxis x laxifolia. 

‘By the side of a murmuring rivulet which we now crossed, were growing some beautiful plants of Athrotaxis laxifolia with its graceful pyramidal form, and delicate branches covered with bright yellowish-green leaves, only long and spreading enough to give the branchlets a somewhat serrated appearance, as they waved in the breeze.  The Athrotaxis previously mentioned (A. selaginoides), with longer and more spreading, prickly leaves, is more prized in England than this species; but I think this is the more elegant of the two.  The third species (A. cupressoides) is a much more sombre tree, with smaller and blunter leaves closely appressed to the branchlets.  All the species are, I believe, peculiar to Tasmania.’  [Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania p.59/1870-72].

History at Camden Park

‘2 Athrotaxis Sp.’ were sent with a large consignment of native plants to Sir William Hooker on 11th February 1848 [MP A2933-1, p.165].  This is the only mention of these plants but it seems likely that Macarthur attempted to grow them himself. 

Notes

The plants Macarthur sent to Kew are probably one or both of the two recognized species from Tasmania or hybrids, although Microcachrys tetragona (Hook.) Hook.f., synonyms Athrotaxis tetragona Hook., Dacrydium tetragonum (Hook.) Parl., may also be added to these.  See also Athrotaxis cupressoides D.Don and Athrotaxis selaginoides D.Don.