Mature trees are very graceful, with drooping foliage and rough-barked trunks, while immature plants have broader, spiny, short leaves. Ironwoods are fairly common throughout arid parts of the NT and SA and small parts of WA and Qld. Most of the specimens in the Garden are self-sown. Hot fires will kill mature trees, and the foliage is palatable to cattle and camels.
Bushfood, Medicinal & Traditional Uses:
The Arrernte people use the bark from roots to make a solution to treat sore eyes and other infections. The resinous gum and lerp honeydew found on the leaves are collected as snack food by Aboriginal people. The hard, red wood is used to make implements, fence posts and for firewood.