Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Casuarinaceae

Genus:

Allocasuarina

Species:

Allocasuarina verticillata

USDA Symbol:

ALVE7

Growth Characteristics

Height:

1500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Seeds are released from woody cones after fire; adult trees resprout from lignotubers.

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:

Commonly found in coastal and inland areas with poor soil fertility.

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

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