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Allocasuarina humilis

Scientific Name: Allocasuarina humilis

Family: Casuarinaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Allocasuarina humilis: Dwarf Sheoak

Allocasuarina humilis, commonly known as the dwarf sheoak or dwarf casuarina, is a unique and interesting shrub native to Australia.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a shrub, growing between 20 cm to 2 m (8-80 inches).
  • The plant is commonly found in gardens.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Allocasuarina humilis (Otto &amp A. Dietr.) L.A.S. Johnson
  • Common Names: Dwarf Sheoak, Dwarf Casuarina
  • Family: Casuarinaceae
  • Genus: Allocasuarina L.A.S. Johnson
  • Synonym: Casuarina humilis Otto &amp A.Dietr.
  • The name Allocasuarina comes from the Greek word "allos," meaning "other," referring to its distinction from the genus Casuarina.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Endemic to the south-west of Australia.
  • Found on lateritic soils and white, grey, or yellow sand.
  • Inhabits Jarrah forests and sand dunes.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • A woody shrub that typically reaches 20 cm to 2 m in height.
  • It's a many-branched shrub with ascending branchlets.
  • Flowers from May to November. Female flowers are red, and male flowers are orange-brown.

Ecological Role

  • Considered an important understorey species in ecological restoration.
  • Unlikely to be a target for biological control, as many Allocasuarina species are native Australian plants.
  • Associated with species like Banksia candolleana, B. micrantha, Lambertia multiflora, Hakea obliqua, Adenanthos cygnorum, and Stirlingia sp.

Genetic Information

  • Microsatellite sequences have been identified, such as Ahum14 (262 bp linear DNA, KT224417.1 GI:963779913) and Ahum11. These sequences are valuable for genetic studies and species identification.

Quirky Facts

  • Unlike many sheoaks that grow into trees, Allocasuarina humilis remains a shrub.

Further Information

  • Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.
  • Tropicos database.
  • Encyclopedia of Life.
  • Flora of Australia Online.
  • NCBI Taxonomy.
  • B and T World Seeds' database.
  • Discover Life.