Allocasuarina decaisneana

Desert oak
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Fagales
Family:	Casuarinaceae
Genus:	Allocasuarina
Species:	A. decaisneana
Binomial name
Allocasuarina decaisneana L.A.S.Johnson

Allocasuarina decaisneana or desert oak is an attractive, medium-sized, slow-growing tree found in the dry desert regions of the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. Young trees have a narrow trunk and grey/green feathery foliage. They mature to an adult form with spreading limbs and bushy foliage. It is the only member of its family in Central Australia and its large cylindrical cones are the biggest in its family. Fire does not usually kill the tree.

Desert oaks can be propagated by seed, but they are not easy to grow outside of their natural environment.

References

• John W. Wrigley and Murray Fagg (1997). Australian Native Plants. 4th edition, Reed.
• "Australian Flora". Australian Explorer. http://www.australianexplorer.com/australian_flora.htm. Retrieved 2009-08-03.