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Blackwood

Author: Hon A/Prof Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand, 1999.

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.
Acacia
Blackwood

Blackwood
Blackwood

Blackwood
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.
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References

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  • Correia O, Barros MA, Mesquita-Guimaraes J. Airborne contact dermatitis from the woods Acacia melanoxylon and Entandophragma cylindricum. Contact Dermatitis 1992 Nov;27(5):343-4.
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  • 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
  • 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.
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