The mimosa (Acacia dealbata Link.) is a small tree with characteristic yellow flowers forming spherical heads, belonging to the Fabaceae family. The genus (Acacia) is of unknown origin but is thought to refer to the spines present on the branches of the plant. The specific epithet (dealbata) indicates the green-grey colour of the leaves. The species, native to Australia, reached Europe at the end of the 18th century. It was introduced to Lucca at the beginning of the 1800s, most likely directly from Malmaison, and spread rapidly. Napoleon’s first wife, Josephine, had a rich collection of rare plants at Malmaison.
