Casuarina Species
in S E Queensland

There are 9 key species of Casuarina found within SE-QLD, each in a different habitat. They are typically hardy trees with no leaves as such, instead having many toothed sheaths. They have woody fruit/nuts, which are easily identifiable and unique to the species.

This species is identified by the fruits, which can usually be found on the ground around the tree and the number of teeth connecting individual sheaths.

The timber of Casuarinas is generally reddish or dark brown, marked with a close grain. It is hard, tough and durable, making it an ideal timber for cabinet work and turnery. The trees are also known to be quick growing.

The most commonly encountered varieties include:

1. The Forest She-Oak (Casuarina torulosa)

This is the most common of all Casuarinas, found mainly in forest country on hillsides and mountain slopes. It is typically a tree up to 20m in height with grayish bark, which is longitudinally cracked and corky in appearance. The individual sheaths typically have less than 5 teeth. The fruit or seedpods tend to be large in size with valves (seed storage areas) being located longitudinally along the pod, making it easily distinguishable.

2. Coast She-Oak (Casuarina equisetifolia)

As the name suggests, this particular variety is found along the coast growing in communities in sandy soil near the sea. The trees tend to be up to 10m tall with greyish rough bark on the lower trunk. There are usually between 6-8 teeth in each sheath, with short soft hairs present at the join of the sheath.

3. River Oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana)

This variety is found along the banks of creeks and rivers, hence preventing erosion along watercourses. This variety grows up to 15m tall with dark grey fissured bark. As with the Coastal She-Oak there are between 6-8 teeth in each sheath, however this species is distinguishable by its fruit/seeds, which is less than 8mm in diameter.

4. Black She-Oak (Casuarina littoralis)

The most common of all Casuarinas, found on coastal plains, especially in forest country with sandy for stony soils. The timber has been used for cabinet work, fence posts, with the pollen being a useful supply for bees during April to October. This variety grows to approximately 10m with grey rough and fissured bark. Each sheath typically has 8 teeth, with the fruits/seeds being between 1 and 2 cm in length. These seed pods tend to have many valves (areas in which the actual seeds are stored).
Nicole Waller

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