HUNGARIAN ACACIA (HU)

The black locust or false acacia tree arrived 300 years ago from North America and took root in Hungarian aristocrats’ gardens. After centuries, this exceptionally persistent and adaptive species outpaced all native counterparts and became Hungary’s most widespread tree. It is considered the most Hungarian tree by the majority of the population and as an outstanding national treasure, it was chosen to be a Hungarikum, an official Hungarian value, like the grey cattle, pálinka and chimney cake.

Hungarian acacia tells how this American tree became a national and political symbol in Hungary, how it was exploited by different political ideologies for two centuries, how political actors today re-mix and manipulate ecological facts. Taking an inspired step further, creators Kelemen and Pálinkás launched a movement aiming to “rebrand” this plant as a symbol of open society. A creature of alien origin that Hungary is proud to call Hungarian. Members of the movement propagate a liberal, inclusive ideal of community. “Anybody who can take root in Hungarian soil can be Hungarian.”