Drooping she-oak (Allocasuarina verticillata, J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 6: 79 (1982))

Family: Casuarinaceae

Author: (Lam.) L.A.S.Johnson

Bibliography: J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 6: 79 (1982)

Year: 1982

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Allocasuarina

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SE. Australia

Description

Drooping she-oak, scientifically known as Allocasuarina verticillata, is a remarkable tree species native to southeastern Australia. This distinctive member of the Casuarinaceae family was officially detailed in the Journal of Adelaide Botanic Gardens, volume 6, page 79, in the year 1982 by the botanist (Lam.) L.A.S. Johnson. An awe-inspiring aspect of this tree is its elegant, pendulous branches that contribute to its characteristic drooping appearance, making it a notable feature in various landscapes.

In its natural habitat, the Drooping she-oak primarily inhabits regions across southeastern Australia. It can often be found thriving in diverse environmental conditions, ranging from coastal sites to hinterland areas, insinuating its adaptability and resilience. This tree plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, providing habitat and food sources for various native wildlife.

The Drooping she-oak exhibits needle-like foliage, which is actually composed of slender branchlets resembling needles, creating a delicate and fine-textured canopy. These branchlets serve multiple functions; they efficiently minimize water loss and create an efficient surface for photosynthesis in the often challenging Australian climate. The tree’s bark is rough and greyish-brown, offering a stark contrast to the lush green of the foliage.

An interesting feature of Allocasuarina verticillata is its reproductive biology. The species is dioecious, meaning individual trees are either male or female. The male trees produce small, brownish-orange, cylindrical flower spikes, while the female trees generate distinctive, woody cone-like fruit, which contain numerous small seeds. These seeds are an important food source for various bird species, further emphasizing the ecological value of the Drooping she-oak.

Historically, this tree has also been utilized by Indigenous Australians for various purposes, including tools and firewood, attesting to its versatility and utility. Today, it is also valued horticulturally, often planted in gardens and public spaces for its aesthetic appeal and adaptability.

In summary, the Drooping she-oak or Allocasuarina verticillata is a quintessential part of the southeastern Australian flora. Its unique structure, ecological significance, and historical importance underscore its value, both in natural settings and cultivated landscapes. This remarkable tree continues to capture the interest of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Por: casuarina
Eng: drooping she-oak
En: Drooping she-oak, Coast Beefwood
Fr: Drooping She-oak
Pt: Casuarina

Synonyms

• Casuarina stricta (Aiton)
• Casuarina quadridentata (Desf.)
• Casuarina quadrivalvis var. spectabilis (Miq.)
• Casuarina gunnii (Hook.f. ex Miq.)
• Casuarina macrocarpa (A.Cunn. ex Miq.)
• Casuarina tortuosa (Henry)
• Casuarina quadrivalvis (Labill.)
• Casuarina quadrivalvis var. macrocarpa (Miq.)
• Casuarina verticillata (Lam.)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Ogasawara-shoto (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 5, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2022 by peter grouios (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2019 by Brett Bissell someguy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 29, 2020 by Georges Olioso (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 26, 2020 by jessamie yule (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© 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/2891902)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:909970-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Allocasuarina verticillata (Lam.) L.A.S.Johnson)

Specifications

Growth