Family:
Casuarinaceae
Casuarina cristata
Belah
Other Names: Black Oak, Belar, Scaly-barked Casuarina, Scrub Sheoak, Bulloak
Regional Subspecies:
n/a
Habit:
Tree approx. 15 m high with many striated slender branches. Woody cones about 20cm long, longer than broad, with prominent protruding valves (Oct-Jan).
Habitat & Site Selection:
Black Box and Callitris mixed woodland and riverine forests. Variety of soils. Prefers 200 – 450 mm rainfall in the Riverina.
Seed Collection & Propagation:
Collect seed Jan-Dec. Propagate from root stock and seed.
Values & Uses:
Tolerates salt and frost. Useful for erosion control and provides fodder in very bad years. Timber used for fencing and excellent firewood. May regenerate by suckering from roots.