Atrolineare is a longstanding purple-leaved, narrow-lobed Japanese maple whose naming history is better documented than its original selection. Trees and Shrubs Online treats it as synonymous with 'Linearilobum Atropurpureum', describing an erect shrub with dark reddish-purple foliage that later bronzes. Kew records the botanical name Acer palmatum f. atrolineare, published by Schwerin in Gartenflora in 1893, and the earlier name f. linearilobum-atropurpureum, published by Nicholson in 1881. Van den Berk Nurseries attributes its origin to Fritz Graf von Schwerin in Trebbin, Germany, in 1893. However, the botanical record establishes a publication date, not proof that Schwerin selected or commercially introduced the cultivar then. The original selector, parentage, selection location, and commercial introduction date therefore remain unconfirmed. Patent and registered-trademark status also remain undocumented.