Common Name:

General Information

Allocasuarina distyla is an evergreen shrub growing around 1 - 3 metres tall, although in richer soils it can reach 7 metres[, ]. Another, somewhat dubious report says it usually grows around 12 - 18 metres tall with a bole around 45 - 60cm in diameter[].
The plant is possibly used as a source of wood. It is grown as an ornamental and a street tree, and has a value in stabilizing soils and preventing erosion.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - New South Wales

Habitat

Tall heath on sandstone hillsides[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allocasuarina distyla is native to the warm temperate regions of eastern Australia and is said to be able to tolerate moderate frosts. It is unlikely to do well when grown in areas with cool summers because the new growth is unlikely to ripen fully, making it more susceptible to winter cold.
In cultivation, species in this genus usually grow best in a well-drained moisture-retentive soil in full sun[]. In the wild they are often found in soils markedly deficient in nutrients[]. This species is known to succeed in saline soils and to be very tolerant of drought[]. Sandy soil is the least preferable as it increases susceptibility to insect attack[].
Allocasuarina distyla makes an excellent ornamental, it is a lovely, yet hardy shrub that is very easy to propagate and care for[].
The plant responds well to coppicing. In nature it can produce new shoots from basal epicormic buds, especially if conditions have been harsh and the upper foliage has died[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant has an excellent value for use as screens or wind-break, and for this reason is planted as a street tree in New South Wales. It is also beneficial for its effect in stabilizing the soil and controlling erosion[].

Other Uses

The wood is strong, light, and tough. It is used for bullock yokes[] In young trees the wood is white, but at a more
mature age it is of a deep-red or brown colour[]. This report is rather questionable. It describes this species as a tree that can grow around 12 - 18 metres tall, but various reports describe the plant as a shrub up to 3 metres tall, occasionally reaching 7 metres[, , , ]

Propagation

Seed - does not require pre-treatment[]. Sow late winter to early summer in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed[]. Germination starts in about 7 days at 25°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
To propagate Allocasuarina species, collect mature unopened seed cones and place them in a paper bag for 3 - 4 days in hot dry weather, or longer in cool weather. Seeds drop into the bag and can be planted immediately or at any time of the year. Seedlings should be potted up with good soil at first, once established they can be planted into any soil type[]
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[, ].