Re: Planting something more appropriate


-

>
>> Oooh!!  You touched a nerve.   Acacia melanoxylon!!
>
>Chas
>
>In their indigenous environment they are considered to be sturdy trees
>not generally known for dropping branches etc - but I guess any tree can
>do that. If you do end up cutting it down you might consider giving the
>wood to somebody who might use it for craft / furniture - I have a
>wonderful 1920's dining room setting (table, chairs, side board etc)
>made from it - it is a highly regarded 'wood' tree here!
>
>Susan George
>McCrae, Victoria, Australia
>


The blackwood may look nice but believe me its one of the worst to have to
work. Extraordinarily high silica content -almost as bad as jarrah - which
dulls all tool edges & an atrocious curly grain so it never finishes cleanly
without a lot of extra effort. I've routed up a couple of large signs out of
it. Its got a nice contrast between the dark heart & honey sapwood but
doesn't weather too well outdoors - even with the best of sealants. Better
as an interior timber.

I know the blackwattle is being trialed in NZ as a hardwood saw log but
don't know if its worth it. Its a major invasive alien of the waterways
here. A thing to watch for Chas is that it also suckers freely. Besides
being difficult to eradicate once its established I don't know what that
might do to your building foundations etc.
Ironically, there is apparently an effective biological control agent for it
but its not allowed to be introduced. The blackwattle is the major source of
tannin for the leather processing industry here & if it were wiped out the
tannin would have to be imported.
Vested interests win again.

Regards

Glenn Breayley. Ragnarok & Valhalla Research.
POBox 26158, Hout Bay, 7872, Capetown, South Africa
Ph SA 021 7904253 Fax SA 021 7905139 E-mail valhalla@iafrica.com
Wholesale nurseryman & Tillandsia specialist wholesale & retail grower.
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