Family: Casuarinaceae
Author: (Aiton) L.A.S.Johnson
Bibliography: J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 6: 79 (1982)
Year: 1982
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Allocasuarina
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Australia
Description
The Forest she-oak, scientifically known as Allocasuarina torulosa, is a notable species within the Casuarinaceae family. First formally described and documented in the “Journal of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens” in 1982 by LAS Johnson, this species has garnered attention due to its ecological and botanical significance.
Native to Eastern Australia, the Forest she-oak thrives in a variety of habitats, often found in woodland and coastal environments. Its distinctive appearance is characterized by slender, wispy branchlets that resemble pine needles, but upon closer inspection, these are actually modified stems called cladodes. These cladodes perform the function of leaves, with the true leaves reduced to tiny scales arranged in whorls around the branchlets.
The tree itself can reach impressive heights, typically growing between 10 to 20 meters tall. The bark is rugged and fissured, providing a stark contrast to the delicate, drooping branchlets. During the flowering season, Allocasuarina torulosa produces inconspicuous flowers that are wind-pollinated, typical of the species within its genus.
Allocasuarina torulosa plays a critical role in its native ecosystem. It provides habitat and food for various bird species, particularly as a nesting site. Additionally, its ability to fix nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria enhances soil fertility, benefiting surrounding plant life and contributing to the health of its environment.
Its dense wood is highly valued for timber, known for being hard and durable, making it a popular choice for furniture and flooring. However, due to its importance in the ecosystem, sustainable harvesting practices are essential to ensure the conservation of this species.
In summary, the Forest she-oak, or Allocasuarina torulosa, is a vital component of Eastern Australia’s natural landscape, valued both ecologically and economically. Its unique adaptations, ecological benefits, and utilitarian applications underscore its significance within the Casuarinaceae family and highlight the need for its preservation.
Common Names
Por: casuarina-chorão
Eng: forest she-oak, forest-oak, river-oak, rose she-oak
En: Forest she-oak, Forest-oak, River-oak, Rose she-oak
Pt: Casuarina-chorão
Synonyms
- Casuarina tenuissima (Sieber ex Spreng.)
- Casuarina lugubris (Salisb.)
- Casuarina ericoides (Gentil)
- Casuarina torulosa f. gracilior (Miq.)
Distribution
- New South Wales (native)
- Queensland (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Apr 11, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 11, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Apr 11, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2022 by aria salan (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 11, 2019 by Brett Bissell someguy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2021 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 30, 2019 by Barrios Pablo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Mairead Young (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2022 by aria salan (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 11, 2019 by Brett Bissell someguy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2021 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2022 by aria salan (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 11, 2019 by Brett Bissell someguy (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2891868)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:909968-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Allocasuarina torulosa (Aiton) L.A.S.Johnson)