Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Casuarinaceae

Genus:

Allocasuarina

Species:

Allocasuarina distyla

USDA Symbol:

ALDI12

Growth Characteristics

Height:

600 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Serotinous cones release seeds after fire; resprouts from lignotuber.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Common in heathland and open forest areas

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require hot water treatment or mechanical scarification to break hard seed coat; sow in well-drained seed mix.