Vineyard farmers used to collaborate with Robinia as well. Thanks to its wood’s durability and rot-resistance, farmers have been using Robinia timber for vineyard poles, fence posts, and probably general construction, furniture and flooring.
Since vineyards in valleys are mostly on the mountain slopes, Robinia had also been planted to mitigate erosion and stabilise soil due to its extensive root network.
Photo by United States Department of Agriculture, 1941
Photo by United States Department of Agriculture, 1941
Photo by United States Department of Agriculture, 1941
Moreover, Robinia’s abundant, fragrant flowers are a major nectar source for insects, especially bees. Across many European countries, Robinia contributed to the production of the highly prized acacia honey, which you can easily find in Bolzano. Meanwhile, Robinia also competes with apples and other plants for pollinators.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Robinia was also widely planted in Central Europe to solve the Holznot, the “Wood Crisis”. World maritime trade, housing and war-related construction, the mountain mining industry, and industrialisation brought about a sharp rise in timber consumption and severe forest degradation.
Due to its rapid growth and high timber quality, Robinia was highly recommended as one antidote to the crisis. It was taken from botanical gardens into nursery gardens and plantations by both individuals and states, which greatly transformed European forests and people’s uses and attitudes toward them.
