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Description
Acacia Melanoxylon, also known as Blackwood or Australian Blackwood, is a medium-sized evergreen tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to southeastern Australia, Tasmania, and the islands of King and Flinders in the Bass Strait. The tree can grow up to 30 meters in height and has a spread of 10-15 meters. It has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 1 meter, and its bark is dark grey-brown in color and deeply furrowed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Acacia |
Appearance
The leaves of Acacia Melanoxylon are bipinnate, with 4-12 pairs of pinnae, each with 10-30 pairs of small leaflets. The leaflets are oblong, measuring 5-15 mm long and 1-3 mm wide, and are dark green in color. The tree produces small, yellow flowers in clusters of 40-80, which bloom in spring and summer. The fruit of the tree is a legume, measuring 5-13 cm long and 7-14 mm wide, and contains 5-12 seeds.
Care Guide
Acacia Melanoxylon prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in a range of soil types. The tree does not require frequent watering but should be watered deeply once a week during dry periods. Fertilizer can be applied in the spring, using a balanced fertilizer that is low in phosphorus. Acacia Melanoxylon can grow in hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Acacia Melanoxylon is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including scale insects, spider mites, and borers. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and bark of the tree, and can weaken the tree over time. The tree is also vulnerable to fungal diseases such as root rot and canker, which can cause the tree to wilt and die.
Habitat
Acacia Melanoxylon is a common tree in southeastern Australia and Tasmania, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and along riverbanks. The tree is also planted as an ornamental in other parts of the world, including California, South Africa, and New Zealand.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Acacia Melanoxylon a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, Acacia Melanoxylon is a fast-growing tree that can grow up to 1 meter per year.
Q: Can Acacia Melanoxylon be grown in containers?
A: While Acacia Melanoxylon can be grown in containers, it is not recommended as the tree can quickly outgrow its container and become root-bound.
Q: How often should Acacia Melanoxylon be pruned?
A: Acacia Melanoxylon should be pruned in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and to maintain its shape.
Q: Does Acacia Melanoxylon have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, the bark and wood of Acacia Melanoxylon have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and skin infections.
Related Plants
- Acacia dealbata
- Acacia longifolia
- Acacia mearnsii
- Acacia podalyriifolia
References
- “Acacia melanoxylon.” Flora of Australia Online. Australian Biological Resources Study, Department of the Environment and Energy, Canberra. Accessed 8 July 2021. https://profiles.ala.org.au/opus/foa/profile/Acacia%20melanoxylon
- “Acacia melanoxylon (R.Br.) R.Br.” Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed 8 July 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:470601-1
- “Blackwood.” The Wood Database. Accessed 8 July 2021. https://www.wood-database.com/blackwood/
