Swamp sheoak, Grey Buloke
Casuarina glauca
Family: Casuarinaceae
What it is like
A small sturdy tree. It grows 2-10 m tall and spreads 2-10 m wide. It often has root suckers. The small branches are 10-35 cm long. They are 0.9-1.5 mm wide. They have 12-17 ridges along them. There are tooth like leaves at the nodes. The leaves are 0.5-0.9 mm long. The leaves are grey-green. The flowers are reddish-brown. The cones are small. They are 9-18 mm long and 8-13 mm wide.
There are about 17 Casuarina species. It can become invasive.
Where it is found
It grows in temperate and subtropical regions. It needs well drained soils but likes wet soil. It can grow in full sun and in coastal areas. It can stand heavy frosts. It suits hardiness zones 9-12. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Norfolk Island, Pacific, Tasmania, USA, West Indies
How it is used for food
The gum is edible. The small seeds are edible.
Edible parts
Leaves-thirst, gum, seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seeds or root cuttings. Even male plants can spread by suckers.