Information about Casuarina stricta

Casuarina stricta, commonly known as the drooping sheoak or the black sheoak, is a species of tree in the Casuarinaceae family. It is native to eastern and southeastern Australia, including Tasmania, and is also found in parts of New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia.

The drooping sheoak is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height. It has a distinctive appearance, with needle-like branchlets that resemble the foliage of conifers. The bark is rough and fissured, and the leaves are reduced to tiny scales that cover the branchlets.

The drooping sheoak is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are produced on separate trees. The male flowers are small and red, while the female flowers are larger and green. The fruit is a woody cone-like structure containing numerous small seeds that are dispersed by wind.

The drooping sheoak is commonly found in coastal areas, where it can tolerate salt spray and sandy soils. It is often planted for erosion control and windbreaks, and its timber is used for a variety of purposes, including fuel, fencing, and furniture.

In addition to its practical uses, the drooping sheoak is also valued for its ornamental qualities. Its graceful form and attractive foliage make it a popular choice for parks and gardens, and it is often used as a screen or shade tree.