[2] The species was formally described in 1859 by botanist Ferdinand von Mueller, having been collected from the summit of Mt Lindesay.

The white flowers occur in racemes between October and December (mid spring to early summer) in its native range.

[2] A. macleayanus is a plant of warm-temperate and subtropical rainforest from the Comboyne Plateau in New South Wales northwards into Queensland.

[4] Its long leaves with wavy margins and red-pink highlights give it horticultural potential.

[5] A. macleayanus grows best in part-shaded positions in well-drained soil in the garden, with added water during the summer.