Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Paraserianthes lophantha (Willd.) I.C.Nielsen

Frost-tender, spineless tree or tall shrub with leaves consisting of up to 12 pairs of pinnae, each composed of up to 40 pairs of bluntish leaflets, and axillary racemes of pink or white flowers, forming bottle-brush-like spikes, in spring.  To 3m.  [RHSD, Beadle].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Native of New Holland: it was introduced [by Peter Good in] about the year 1803, and is a robust species: […] the leaves are very ornamental; they are doubly pinnate, consisting of an immense number of leaflets.’  [LBC no.716/1823]. 

‘An elegant greenhouse shrub, but rather impatient of cold; best suited for the Conservatory, where it makes a very magnificent appearance.  Propagated by cuttings, and by seeds which we are informed it produces freely.  Flowers twice in the year.  Native of the South-west coast of New Holland, where it was first observed by Robert Brown, Esq.  Introduced to the Kew Garden by Mr. Peter Good in 1803.  Communicated by Mr. Joseph Knight, of the King’s Road, Chelsea, 1 December 1818.’  [BM t.2108/1818]. 

Paxton’s Dictionary describes two varieties, Newmanni and speciosa.  BR f.361/1819.

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [T.10/1850].  Naturalised on the coast of the Sydney region.  [Beadle].

Notes

Published Nov 20, 2009 - 05:16 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2010 - 12:37 PM

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Figured are pinnate leaves and globular heads of white flowers in elongated spikes. Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.2108, 1818.

Paraserianthes lophantha (Willd.) I.C.Nielsen  | BM t.2108/1818 | BHL

Family Fabaceae
Category
Region of origin

Western Australia
Synonyms
  • Albizia lophantha (Willd.) Benth.
  • Acacia lophantha Willd.
  • Sericandra lophantha (Willd.) Raf.
  • Mimosa lophantha Pers.
  • Mimosa distachya Vent.
  • Mimosa elegans Andr.  
Common Name

Crested wattle
Name in the Camden Park Record

Acacia lophantha 
Confidence level high