Blackwood, Australia Acacia, Black Acacia, Blackwood Acacia

Medicinal Uses

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers | Edible Uses: Flowers - cooked[144]. Rich in pollen, they are often used in fritters. The flowers have a penetrating scent[245].

Cultivation

Landscape Uses:Pest tolerant, Specimen, Street tree. Prefers a sandy loam and a very sunny position[1]. Prefers a deep moist soil[167]. Succeeds in a hot dry position[166]. Succeeds in any good garden soil that is not excessively limey[11]. Most members of this genus become chlorotic on limey soils[200]. This is one of the hardier members of the genus, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c[260]. It succeeds outdoors in Britain from Dorset westwards, also in south-western Scotland and in Ireland[1, 11]. However, even in the mildest areas of the country it is liable to be cut back to the ground in excessively cold winters though it can resprout from the base[11]. It is planted for timber in south-west Europe[50]. This species produces both phyllodes (basically a flattened stem that looks and acts like a leaf) and true leaves[1, 166]. The roots are very vigorous and extensive - they often produce suckers[260] and can damage the foundations of buildings[200]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. Special Features:Attracts birds, Not North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Known Hazards

None known

Habitats

Wet forests on good soils up to the montane zone[152, 154]. Usually an under-storey tree in Eucalyptus forests[167].