Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Acacia melanoxylon or Australian blackwood

The Acacia genus, of the Fabaceae family, includes some 1,200 species of shrubs and trees native to Australia, Africa, Asia and South America. Some species are: Acacia melanoxylon, Acacia luederitzii, Acacia longifolia, Acacia karoo, Acacia iteaphylla, Acacia greggii, Acacia dodonaeifolia, Acacia dealbata, Acacia cultriformis, Acacia hebeclada, Acacia tortilis, Acacia truncata, Acacia saligna, Acacia paradoxa, Acacia tetragonophylla.

Common names: Australian blackwood, Blackwood, Tasmanian blackwood, Blackwood acacia. This  is native to Eastern Australia.

They are fast growing evergreen trees that reach 15 meters (49.21 feet) in gardens but in their natural habitat they reach 45 meters (147,63 feet) height. The leaves emerge on the young branches and then turn into dark green or grayish phyllodes. The abundant flowers are globular and pale yellow in color. They can bloom from late winter to mid spring. The fruits are reddish pods that contain the seeds.

They are used in small groups, as isolated or aligned specimens in public parks and streets. It is recommended not to plant them near buildings as they have aggressive surface roots.

Acacia melanoxylon needs full sun exposure and a Mediterranean-type climate. They can withstand some mild frost.

Although they can be grown in almost all types of soil they prefer that it contains organic matter and is well drained.

They need regular watering in spring and summer so that the soil does not dry out completely. In winter, watering needs to be greatly reduced.

From mid spring to mid summer it is recommended to fertilize with a mineral fertilizer every 30 days.

Every 2-3 years the branches can be pruned a little to give them a more compact appearance.

Their worst enemy is over-watering, but they can be attacked by spider mites or mealybugs if they are drought.

The best way to propagate is from seeds sown in spring.

Images of the tree Acacia melanoxylon or Australian blackwood