Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) is a member of the wattle family and a hardwood. It occurs throughout Tasmania's native forests from sea level to 1000m in elevation but it thrives in swamp and riverine areas. It is also a common understorey component of wet eucalypt forest. The swamps of northwest Tasmania, where there are almost pure stands, have been a primary source of high quality blackwood for more than a century and this resource has been the cornerstone of Tasmania's fine furniture industry over that time.

The stunning timber radiates a subtle beauty that makes it irresistible to Tasmanian designers. It boasts a variety of colours ranging from light golden-brown (sometimes with a reddish tint) and occasionally shows black streaks. Additional character is in the grain, which can be straight or wavy with a natural lustre.

It is easily worked, very stable and is long lasting. The finished piece is always a statement of style and quality.

Additionally (and more recently) the production of high quality veneers has increased its versatility for joinery, cabiet making, and feature panelling. Small cross sections of solid timber are also used for lamination, particularly for bench tops.

About 8000ha of swamp forest are dedicated to Blackwood silviculture on a sustained yield basis. Rotations are generally of the order of 70 years for native forest.

Blackwood is an easy tree to grow. A big advantage for establishing blackwood forest is that its durable seed remains viable in the soil for decades. After harvest, regeneration treatment involves burning to encourage regeneration, and fencing to protect from browsing wildlife.

Young seedlings are very palatable to pademelons, wallabies and other native animals.

About 700ha of plantations have been established and more are planned. These trees will be ready to harvest 40 years after planting. In the past demand has sometimes exceeded supply, but thanks to the work of progressive manufacturers who have made a feature of character blackwood in their work, even knotty and naturally flawed sections of log are now used.

As a result of sensible, sustainable management, Tasmania's talented designers and manufacturers will always have access to the small but reliable supply. Equally the continuity of a unique species favoured in the Australian furniture market is assured.