Acacia linifolia (Vent.) Willd.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This was first brought from NSW, which is its native country, about the year 1790; being one of the earliest importations from that fertile region.’  [LBC no.383, 1819].  Acacia abietina was introduced to Britain in 1823 [JD] although it was clearly introduced earlier under the name Acacia linifolia.  ‘The Acacia linifolia is an ornamental shrub from the delicacy of its branches and foliage.  It has a good deal of similarity with Acacia linearis (No. 2156,) but it is at once distinguished not only by the shortness of the leaves, but by the globular heads of flowers being always supported on short Pedicles, whereas in linearis they are sessile on the main flower-stalk.  Its flowers, which very generally appear in the winter time, are sweet scented.’  [BM t.2168/1820].  ABR pl.394/1804.

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [T.6/1850].  Widespread on sandstone in the Sydney region [Beadle, FNSW] and probably collected locally.  

Notes

Acacias are often classified in their own family, Mimosaceae.  It seems likely that Macarthur collected native species as much to barter with his overseas contacts as for decorating his own garden.