Scientific Name: Acacia melanoxylon

Common Name: blackwood

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Fabaceae

Form Description: Large erect tree.

Height (m): 8 – 30

Flowers: Dense pale yellow globular heads of 30-50 flowers on stout stalks.

Fruit: Seed pod – flattish, curved or coiled, 4-12cm long.

Municipality
Break O’DayBrightonBurnieCentral CoastCentral HighlandsCircular HeadClarenceDerwent ValleyDevonportDorsetFlindersGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayGlenorchyHobartHuon ValleyKentishKing IslandKingboroughLatrobeLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsSorellSouthern MidlandsTasmanWaratah-WynyardWest CoastWest Tamar
Plant Communities
Coastal VegetationDry Eucalypt ForestRainforestRiparianWet Eucalypt Forest
Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Shady, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Poorly-drained, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Good shade tree and shelter in windbreaks. Useful in controlling erosion as it has a vigorous spreading root system and improves soil fertility. It suckers readily or regenerates from seed after disturbance such as fire, ploughing or ripping making it useful for restoration. Bird attracting. Bee attracting. Resistant to livestock damage, but young plants are very susceptible to wallaby browsing. Resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi. Susceptible to browsing by hares and rabbits. Moderate flammability. Koori (mainland) use: the fine hardwood was used to make spear throwers and shields. Fibre from the inner bark was used to bathe rheumatic joints. The bark and twigs were reputedly used to stupefy fish, enabling easy capture. The gum is edible.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed, Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Most acacias are readily propagated by seed. Pick pods just as they start to dry and change colour. Spread on sheets. Sieve to isolate.

Seed Treatment Method

Boiling Water Pour boiling water over the seed and allow to soak for 24 hours before sowing.

Seed Storage Life

Very long

Seed Treatment Notes

Pour boiling water over the seed and allow to soak for 24 hours before sowing. Alternatively boil the seed for about 10 secs before plunging it into cold water and sowing.

Germination Time

2-4 weeks

Cutting & Division Information

Cuttings are possible with “phyllode bearing” acacias, more so than with “feathery leaved” species.