Australian blackwood

plant

Also known as: Acacia melanoxylon

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

Australian blackwood, scientifically known as Acacia melanoxylon, is a species of tree native to Australia. It is a member of the acacia genus, which belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. These trees are recognized for their distinctive leaves, which are often feathery or fern-like, and their small, fragrant flowers, typically yellow or white.1

Australian blackwood is economically significant for its valuable timber. Additionally, many acacia species, including those found in Australia, are rich in tannin, a substance used in tanning leather, as well as in dyes and inks. In Australia, acacias are commonly referred to as wattles.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

acacia
Major species
…valuable timber, among them the Australian blackwood (A. melanoxylon); the yarran (A. omalophylla), also of Australia; and A. koa of Hawaii. Many of the Australian acacia species have been widely introduced elsewhere as cultivated small trees valued for their spectacular floral displays.
Read More
…valuable timber, among them the Australian blackwood (A. melanoxylon); the yarran (A. omalophylla), also of Australia; and A. koa of Hawaii. Many of the Australian acacia species have been widely introduced elsewhere as cultivated small trees valued for their spectacular floral displays.
Read More