Blackbean

Castanopsermum australe

A medium-sized to large tree found near beaches, coastal streams and in rainforests between central New South Wales and north Queensland. The seeds, about the size of chestnuts and growing in large green pods, are poisonous in their natural state. However, after extensive preparation, the seeds were a valuable food source for Aboriginals.

In the open, the Blackbean has a dense and rounded evergreen crown of large glossy green leaves, comprising several leaflets. The tree produces eye-catching clusters of orange flowers in late spring. The timber is dark brown, slightly striped, hard and strong, and was used for furniture-making. The Blackbean is popular as a shade tree but its extensive root system can be problematic near buildings.

How high can I grow? Up to 40m.