Myrtaceae

sideroxylon — from Greek sideros, iron, and xylon, wood, referring to the hard wood.

n/a

Tree to 35 m high, red-brown to brown-black ‘ironbark,’ dull green or grey-green adult leaves. Moderate growth rate.

Sclerophyll woodland on lighter, poorer soils, including gravels, sands, ironstones, and clays. Tolerates frost and moderate drought. Prefers 300 – 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina.

Collect early Aug-late Feb, seeds released 3-8 weeks after maturity. Propagate from seed (±226 viable/gram). Regenerates from seed in absence of weeds, during wet summers.

Medium to high-level windbreak cover. Excellent habitat, nectar source for various animals, important winter food. Hollows provide nest sites. Excellent fuelwood. Timber dark red, very hard, strong, and durable, used for heavy construction, railway sleepers, turning, furniture, and fencing. Leaves and bark produce dyes, leaves contain medicinal oil. Valuable honey producer.