| Regional: |
Widespread to the east of Hume Highway, in higher rainfall areas. |
| Australia: |
Tas, Vic, NSW, Qld , SA. Distribution closely linked to rainfall. |
| Habitat: |
Various habitats, chiefly wet sclerophyll forest and in or near cooler rainforest.
|
| Habit: |
Erect or spreading tree, 6-30 m high. Deeply fissured, dark grey to black bark.
Dense foliage. |
| Similar Species: |
Distinguished from Hickory Wattle/Lightwood (A. implexa) by its 'leaves' which are
not sickle-shaped, its flowering time and habitat (although they occasionally occur
together). Also, the Blackwood funicle (ovule or seed stalk) is red and completely
encircles the seed while the Lightwood funicle is cream and folded under the seed. |
| Site Preference: |
Moist, well-drained fertile soil and cool climatic conditions. Tolerates a range of
sites, including drier soil in exposed situations. Tolerates cold conditions and wind.
Young plants may suffer frost damage. |
| Characteristics: |
Long-lived. Young plants very shade-tolerant. Fire tolerant. Generally resistant to
insect activity. |
| Flowering: |
Pale yellow to whitish, usually Jul-Dec. |
| Seed Collection: |
Around Dec-Mar. Frequently produces large crops. A large proportion of seed may be
retained as late as Aug-Sep, although seed-eating insects may consume large amounts. |
| Propagation: |
From scarified seed (± 58 viable seeds per gram). Pour boiling water over seed and
soak for several hours before drying and sowing. |
| Regeneration: |
From suckers or seed after disturbance such as fire, ripping or ploughing. Suckers
freely from stumps and exposed roots. Palatable to livestock, hence fencing recommended
to encourage regeneration. Establishes well when direct seeded. |
| Shade & Shelter: |
Useful medium-level cover in windbreaks. In relatively open situations tends to
grow quite bushy, retaining branches to ground level (useful in windbreaks). Useful
paddock tree, as grass grows to trunk if light adequate, and resistant to livestock
damage to the bark. Fencing recommended to preserve and regenerate trees. |
| Land Protection: |
Useful in controlling erosion due to vigorous spreading roots and suckering. Legume
- improves soil fertility through 'fixing' nitrogen. |
| Fuel: |
Moderate value. |
| Timber: |
Highly regarded as cabinet and furniture timber. Used widely for veneers. One of the
most decorative Australian timbers when polished. Timber golden-brown to dark-brown,
sometimes with reddish tints or streaks with distinct growth rings, tough, hard and
close-grained. Grain usually straight, but also wavy. Density about 650 kg/m3. Selected
provenances have potential for commercial production of specialty high-value timber, on
fertile high rainfall sites. |
| Wildlife: |
Provides pollen for native moths, butterflies and other insects, which attract
insect-eating birds. Seeds eaten by insects and birds such as parrots and native
pigeons. Furrows and cracks in bark provide habitat for various insects and spiders.
Used for perching by hawking species, including birds of prey. |
| Koori: |
Spearthrowers and shields made from fine hard wood. Fishing lines made from inner
bark fibre. An infusion of bark used to bathe rheumatic joints. Edible gum soaked in
water to form jelly. Bark and twigs reputedly used to stupefy fish, enabling easy
capture. |
| Ornamental: |
Specimen or shade. Useful for screening. Dense crown and good form make it useful
for parks and large gardens. |
| Other: |
Edible gum. 'Leaves' produce lemon-fawn dye with the mordant alum. |
