Botanical name: Acacia melanoxylon

Distribution: A medium sized hardwood mainly available from Tasmania but found through South Australia and up the Eastern coast to Queensland. Grows to 30m (100ft) but generally shorter.

Colour: Heartwood is a beautiful golden brown with narrow bands of darker colour indicative of growth rings. Sometimes reddish streaks are present.

The timber: The timber is of medium and even texture with a generally straight grain although wavy grain produces an attractive fiddleback appearance.

Mechanical properties: Moderately durable it is mainly used in interior applications. Low density for a hardwood it does not possess great strength but is good for steam bending. Kiln dry density of approx. 600kgs/m³ (37lb/ft³).

Working properties: Caldara works well with both hand and machine tools although cutter angles should be reduced for figured material. Does not require pre drilling for screws or nails. Gluing is generally good. Polyester and other catalysed finishes are retarded in curing. Finishes well and takes most finishing treatments well.

Uses: Principally used in high class furniture and cabinet work due to its excellent appearance it is also used for panelling, turnery, flooring, carving and gun stocks. It is available as a veneer.

Availability: Moderate.