| Latin Name: | Acacia melanoxylon |
| Common Name: | Blackwood |
| Family: | Leguminosae |
| Synonyms: | |
| Known Hazards: | None known |
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Author: R.Br.
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| Habit: A Fast Growing Evergreen Tree |
| Habitat: Wet forests on good soils up to the montane zone[152, 154]. Usually an under-storey tree in Eucalyptus forests[167]. |
| Height: 30.0 Width: |
Cultivation Details:
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, it succeeds outdoors in Britain from Dorset westwards, also in southwestern 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 southwest 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 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].
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Propagation Notes:
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a warm greenhouse[1]. Stored seed should be scarified, pre-soaked for 12 hours in warm water and then sown in a warm greenhouse in March. Germinates in 3 - 4 weeks at 25°c[133].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in individual pots in a frame[78]. Overwinter in a greenhouse for the first winter and plant out in their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Fair percentage[78].
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