Seed and phyllode variation in blackwood was studied intensively by Farrell & Ashton (1978). Phyllodes tended to be smaller and more symmetric in the drier-inland areas. The largest phyllodes were in south-west Victoria (and probably extending into the far southeast of South Australia). Some differences in seed size were found but were not clearly' related to environmental conditions. The role of fire was important in the ecology of the species which regenerates freely from soil-stored seed after fire or when the soil is exposed or disturbed. Some evidence was found that soil-stored seed is viable for at least 50 years. The pods from northern populations (i.e. Qld) tended to be smaller and more convoluted. The late development of the phyllode of blackwood after the juvenile pinnate leaf phase is well known. Seedling populations from 17 sites but not including a South Australian sample were tested under uniform conditions. The onset of phyllode development after the juvenile phase ranged from 2 months to 7 months. There were significant differences between populations which were correlated with the wide range of climatic variables. Phyllodes were produced more rapidly on populations from drier sites, and the relative size of the bipinnate leaf was related to the site rainfall.

The cell structure and morphology of the phyllode of A. melanoxylon was studied in detail by Boke (1940). The finer details are not relevant here. He concludes that Acacia phyllodes are homologous with the petiole-rachis of a pinnate leaf.

A. melanoxylon has been popular as an ornamental timber. The heartwood is attractively coloured, strong, close grained, dresses well and is widely used for furniture and cabinet work. However trunks are often limited in size and supply as almost all the larger trees have now been removed. It also makes a good fuel.

Three mistletoes have been recorded on A. melanoxylon. There is a single record of Lysiana exocarpi and many more but almost equal numbers of Arnyema preissii, wire-leaved mistletoe and Arnyerna pendulum, drooping mistletoe more often found on Eucalyptus.

A. melanoxylon has been very successful in South Africa, Ross (1975) where it is now established in several provinces. Like A. cyclops and A. saligna it is also invading and displacing indigenous vegetation. In addition it is locally established in southern Europe and occasionally established in California. A. melanoxylon is now naturalised in New Zealand, Webb et al. (1988).

A. melanoxylon is included in Boland et al. (1984) 'Forest Trees of Australia' where a description, illustration and a map are given.

Two trees of A. melanoxylon in cultivation in the Waite Arboretum lived for 30 and 32 years.

(Source: Whibley & Symon 1992)