River She-oak, Beefwood

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Eastern and northern Australia

Growth Habits: Evergreen tree, the largest of the Casuarina, very fast growing to 65 feet tall (20 m), 40 feet spread (12 m); gray bark with small platelets; needle-like foliage

Watering Needs: Little to moderate water, very drought tolerant, tolerates poor drainage, tolerates saline soils

Propagation: Winged seeds, that don't need pre-treatment, and fall easily from the fruit when it is left to dry

Propagation: Seed

• by seeds, in spring. Germinates at 70-85 degrees F. The seeds can be harvested in autumn. No pre-treatment is needed. The usual germination temperature is 70-85 degrees F.

River She-oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana), U.S.D.A. Drawing, courtesy Hunt Institute

Fruiting Habits:
Woody globose cones, 0.4 inches in diameter (1 cm), following inconspicuous flowers