Botanical name: Acacia harpophylla.

Distribution: North-West slopes and plains of New South Wales and large areas of Southern Queensland. Generally a small tree but it sometimes reaches 25m (82ft).

Colour: Dark reddish-brown with traces of chocolate and red streaks.

The timber: The texture is fine and even with grain generally straight with slight interlocking grain present in some boards.

Mechanical properties: Tarragal is durable and a very hard and strong timber. Not suitable for steam bending. High crush resistance. Kiln dry density of approx. 950kgs/m³ (60lb/ft³).

Working properties: It is moderately difficult to work with hand and machine tools because of its density and Tarragal will blunt tools. However, it glues well, works to a very high polish and takes most finishes without difficulty. It has a faint smell of violets during working and sawdust can irritate unprotected eyes and nasal passages.

Uses: Flooring, turnery, decking, furniture, cabinet work, heavy construction, walking sticks.

Availability: Moderate.