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Blackwood
Blackwood — codes and concepts
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| Common name: | Australian Blackwood, Wattle or Acacia. |
| Botanical name: | Acacia melanoxylon |
| Family: | Leguminosae |
| Origin: | Native to south-eastern Australia. |
| Description: | An evergreen wattle with dense foliage, balls of cream flowers and twisted pods. Height: 20 m. |
| Uses | Gum arabic, derived from acacia (usually A. senegal), is used in the printing trade, and as a binding agent in the making of some medications. Gum arabic is also commonly used as a food additive. Because of its excellent timber properties, Australian blackwoods are increasingly being planted in New Zealand. Blackwood is used in making furniture, boats, musical instruments, etc. |
| Allergens | The allergens appear to be 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone, acamelin, and melacacidin (in heartwood). |
| Allergy | Hand dermatitis has been reported after contact with both the wood and gum arabic. Sawdust is a problem, particularly in furniture makers. Hayfever, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and other respiratory problems are of increasing concern. The prevalence of allergy to acacias, as shown in a number of Australian and Asian studies, is increasing. |
| Cross-reactions |
Meranti (Shorea spp.) and some kinds of Mahogany. |
| Other information | |
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References
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- Clarke PS. Allergic reactions to blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon). Med J Aust 1989 Feb 20;150(4):222–3. PubMed
- Anderson DM. Evidence for the safety of gum arabic (Acacia senegal (L.) Willd.) as a food additive--a brief review. Food Addit Contam 1986 Jul-Sep;3(3):225–3. PubMed
- Howlett BJ, Hill DJ, Knox RB. Cross-reactivity between Acacia (wattle) and rye grass pollen allergens. Detection of allergens in Acacia (wattle) pollen. Clin Allergy 1982 May;12(3):259–68. PubMed
- Lovell CR.1993, Plants and the Skin, Blackwell, Oxford.
- Mitchell JC, Rook A, 1979, Botanical Dermatology, Plants and Plant products injurious to the skin, Greengrass, Vancouver.