Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Casuarinaceae

Genus:

Allocasuarina

Species:

Allocasuarina pusilla

USDA Symbol:

ALPU10

Growth Characteristics

Height:

300 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

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, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to heathland and sandy coastal areas

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require hot water or mechanical scarification to break seed coat dormancy; germination occurs in 2-8 weeks at 20-25°C.