What does Allocasurina look like?
Allocasuarina trees are notable for their long, segmented branchlets that function as leaves. Formally termed cladodes, these branchlets somewhat resemble pine needles, although sheoaks are actually flowering plants. The leaves are reduced to minute scales encircling each joint. Fallen cladodes form a dense, soft mat beneath sheoaks, preventing the development of undergrowth and making sheoak woods remarkably quiet.
Another characteristic feature are the spiny “cones”, about the size of an acorn but with a texture more resembling a conifer cone. However, sheoak “cones” are actually a woodyfruit. Male specimens bear no fruit and are sometimes colloquially referred to as a “heoak”.
Where are Allocasurina found?
Allocasuarina are trees endemic to Australia, occurring primarily in the south.
Fast facts:
- Allocasurinas are known as evergreens – they are green all year round.
- Each plant can produce male and female flowers on the same or separate trees.
Allocasurina
Allocasuarina are trees endemic to Australia, occurring primarily in the south.
Allocasuarina trees are notable for their long, segmented branchlets that function as leaves. Formally termed cladodes, these branchlets somewhat resemble pine needles, although sheoaks are actually flowering plants. The leaves are reduced to minute scales encircling each joint. Fallen cladodes form a dense, soft mat beneath sheoaks, preventing the development of undergrowth and making sheoak woods remarkably quiet.
Another characteristic feature are the spiny “cones”, about the size of an acorn but with a texture more resembling a conifer cone. However, sheoak “cones” are actually a woodyfruit. Male specimens bear no fruit and are sometimes colloquially referred to as a “heoak”.
As with legumes, sheoak roots possess nodules containing symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria; together with their highly drought-adapted foliage, this enables sheoaks to thrive in very poor soil and semi-arid areas. However, sheoaks are much less bushfire-tolerant than eucalypts.
