Acacia melanoxylon

Acacia melanoxylon or Australian blackwood, is a species adapted to hotter climates, which makes it interesting to monitor in Ireland’s changing climate. It is also a species with a strong cultural value, as it is used locally as a source of both wood and poison. It is also well researched globally, with more than 100 of its characteristics being studied, as retrieved from relevant databases.

As well as having true leaves, this species also possess false leaves called ‘phyllodes’ which are actually flattened petioles (leaf stalks) which function as leaves. It is listed as an invasive species in many countries outside its native range of South-eastern Australia.