Allocasuarina Torulosa Common Name: Forest She Oak Family - Casuarinaceae
Description
• Allocasuarina Torulosa is a spectacular slender pyramidal feature tree which provides a dense shade canopy • Reaches a height of 8-15m and width of 5-10m providing textural foliage like a Cassowary Feather or Conifer Leaf • The tree may be found in dry sclerophyll forests, grassy forests, woodlands, riparian areas • Tolerates dry conditions and performs well in highly drained soils, suitable for clay sites and provides stability for erosion prone areas • Slow to moderate growth rate highly suitable as a prevention for a wind break • Prefers full sun conditions and is highly suitable for drought conditions • Foliage performs a distinct survival technique by regenerating after being affected by fire • Spectacular reddish brown flowers are found on the male plants, while the female plant flowers a vibrant red form from autumn through to winter • Ecological role attracts birds (red-tailed black cockatoo and parrots), mammals and invertebrates including butterflies (Pupae and larvae of the Amaryllis Azure Butterfly. The larvae feed on the mistletoes which may grow on She-oaks). • Species provides exceptional longevity up to 100 years • Round woody capsule fruit forms on the female species only • Distribution occurs from the south coast of NSW to the tip of North Qld How to look after this plant
• Prefers full sun • When planting tree into ground, dig a slow release native fertiliser (low phosphorous formulation) into soil to provide plant with essential nutrients, encourage healthy plant growth and increase flowering. Slow release fertiliser will generally last up to 6 months, reapply between 5-6 months to continue plant growth • Water every 2-3 days a week for the first month when planted. Cut back watering to once or twice a week after the first month (avoid over watering) • Lightly prune after the flowering season to increase the foliage growth • If soil is low in organic matter, dig compost into existing soil to develop valuable humus around your plant. • For clay soils, dig gypsum and garden soil into the existing ground to encourage drainage. • Once tree is established, plant will be capable of drought conditions • Dig hole for plant twice the size of the plant pot • Break up soil where root ball of plant will sit to allow room for roots to grow efficiently • Spread a 100mm deep layer of mulch around tree (keep a 150mm clearance around trunk) to prevent weeks and retain moisture within soil
CALL 1300 325 519 VISIT US TODAY, CNR TANNUM SANDS AND DAHL ROADS, TANNUM SANDS, WWW.TANNUMBLUE.COM.AU