Allocasuarina littoralis


Allocasuarina littoralis, commonly known as black sheoak, black she-oak, or river black-oak, is an endemic medium-sized Australian tree. A. littoralis is named for its growth near the coast; this is somewhat misleading, as it will grow well both inland and in coastal zones.

Description

This evergreen Casaurina tree is noted for its modified branchlets appearing to be leaves and narrow width and the true leaves are, in fact minute and occur on the tips of the modified branchlets. It is a relatively fast growing tree making it very suitable for planting along roadsides. The showy red male flowers appear in spring. It is usually dioecious.

Range

The species occurs in Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, and Tasmania. It grows in woodland and sometimes in tall heath, and it grows in sandy and other poor soils.