Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Casuarinaceae

Genus:

Allocasuarina

Species:

Allocasuarina paludosa

USDA Symbol:

ALPA23

Growth Characteristics

Height:

400 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Serotinous cones release seeds after fire; regenerates from seedbank.

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:

Commonly found in heathland and swampy areas

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Notes:

Seeds require hot water or smoke treatment to break dormancy; germination may be slow and erratic.