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black she-oak
Scientific Name: Allocasuarina littoralis
Family: Casuarinaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Allocasuarina littoralis: The Black Sheoak
Allocasuarina littoralis, commonly known as black sheoak, black she-oak, or river black-oak, is an endemic Australian tree prized for its upright habit and pendant foliage.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that Glossy Black-Cockatoos feed on the seeds found in the cones of she-oaks. This suggests the presence of cones and seeds, which may be of interest to pets.
- The Black Sheoak is often described as having 'pine needles', but in actual fact has 'cladodes' with minute leaves arranged around each joint. The leaves and cladodes may present a potential hazard if ingested.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Allocasuarina littoralis
- Common Names: Black sheoak, black she-oak, river black-oak
- Family: Casuarinaceae
- Genus Derivation: Allocasuarina from Greek allos, meaning different (to) casuarina, and the Malay word for Kasuari, referring to the similarity.
- Synonyms: Casuarina littoralis
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Australia, found in coastal forests and inland areas.
- Grows well in well-drained sandy soils.
- Specific locations mentioned include Marcus Beach and the East Coast of Australia.
- Also found in Dry Sclerophyll Forests.
Ecological Role
- The seeds are a primary food source for Glossy Black-Cockatoos, a threatened species.
- Attracts seed-eating birds.
- Useful for windbreaks and light shade.
Morphological Characteristics
- Medium-sized tree, typically up to 8-10 meters in height, though some may reach 15m.
- Evergreen.
- Erect form with fine, dark green branches contrasting with black bark.
- Often described as having "pine needles," but these are actually cladodes with minute leaves arranged around each joint.
- Female flowers range from red to crimson; male flowers are brown and held on spikes.
- Small, pyramid-shaped tree with an upright habit and pendant foliage.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Glossy Black-Cockatoos feed almost exclusively on the seeds of she-oaks (Allocasuarina and Casuarina).
- Roots possess nodules containing symbiotic nitrogen-fixing organisms, similar to legumes.
Other Characteristics
- Tolerates poor soil.
- Frost hardy.
- Salt tolerant.
- Grown for its upright habit and pendant foliage.
Resources and Further Information
- Dave's Garden
- Online nurseries such as Herbalistics Australia and ERA Nurseries.
- Discover Life
- NSW Office of Environment and Heritage
- Wikimedia Commons