Common Name(s): Australian blackwood, Tasmanian blackwood, Acacia blackwood
Scientific Name: Acacia melanoxylon
Distribution: Native to Tasmania and eastern Australia; also introduced to Africa, South America, and southern East Asia
Janka Hardness: 1,160 lbf (5,180 N)
Color/Appearance: Color can be highly variable, but tends to be medium golden or reddish brown, similar to koa or mahogany. There are usually contrasting bands of color in the growth rings, and it is not uncommon to see boards with ribbon-like streaks of color. Boards figured with wavy and/or curly grain are also not uncommon.
Grain/Texture: Grain is usually straight to slightly interlocked, and sometimes wavy. Uniform fine to medium texture.
Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Moreover, it is considered an invasive species in some areas (see notes and references below).
Common Uses: Veneer, furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments, gunstocks, turned objects, and other specialty wood objects.