Black She Oak, Bull Oak, Wayetuck

Allocasuarina littoralis

Physical Characteristics

Allocasuarina littoralis is an evergreen Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is not frost tender. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Australia - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Edible portion: Cones, Gum. Use: The gum exudate is chewed and also the jelly made by melting the gum in hot water.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Allocasuarina littoralis, commonly known as black sheoak, black she-oak, or river black-oak, is an endemic medium-sized Australian tree (usually up to 8 metres, but sometimes to 15 metres - coarse shrub in exposed maritime areas).[1][2] A. littoralis is named for its growth near the coast; this is somewhat misleading, as it will grow well both inland and in coastal zones