Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Casuarinaceae

Genus:

Allocasuarina

Species:

Allocasuarina corniculata

USDA Symbol:

ALCO15

Growth Characteristics

Height:

600 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from lignotuber after fire; seeds also released from serotinous cones post-fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to rocky outcrops and sandy plains

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require scarification (e.g., hot water treatment or mechanical abrasion) to break seed coat dormancy; germination occurs over several weeks.