Rock sheoak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rock sheoak |
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| A. huegeliana woodland near Wagin | |
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| A. huegeliana: Fruit | |
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| Genus: |
Allocasuarina
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| Species: |
huegeliana
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
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Allocasuarina huegeliana, often called rock sheoak, is a special type of flowering plant. It belongs to the Casuarinaceae family and grows naturally in Western Australia. This tree is unique because it has separate male and female plants. Its leaves look like tiny scales, grouped in circles of eight to ten. When the tree produces fruit, it forms cones that are about 14 to 35 millimeters long. Inside these cones are small, winged seeds, each about 5 to 7 millimeters long.
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What Does the Rock Sheoak Look Like?
The rock sheoak is a tree that can grow from 4 to 10 meters (about 13 to 33 feet) tall. It has dark bark with cracks in it. Its branches are like long, thin needles, up to 400 millimeters (about 16 inches) long.
Leaves and Branches
The leaves of the rock sheoak are very small, like tiny scales. They are only about 0.5 to 0.7 millimeters long. These tiny leaves grow in circles of eight to ten around the branchlets. The parts of the branchlet between these leaf circles are usually 8 to 13 millimeters long and about 0.8 to 0.9 millimeters wide.
Flowers and Cones
Rock sheoak trees have separate male and female flowers on different plants. Male flowers grow in spikes that are 20 to 100 millimeters long. These spikes have about 4.5 to 7 flower groups per centimeter. The parts of the male flower that hold pollen are about 0.8 to 1.2 millimeters long.
Female cones grow on a small stalk, about 3 to 5 millimeters long. The tree flowers from May to December or January. When the cones are fully grown, they are 14 to 35 millimeters long and 10 to 14 millimeters wide. Inside these cones are dark brown to black seeds, which are 5 to 7 millimeters long and have wings to help them fly in the wind. This tree looks a lot like another species called A. verticillata.
How the Rock Sheoak Got Its Name
This plant was first officially described in 1848 by a scientist named Friedrich Anton Wilhelm Miquel. He called it Casuarina huegeliana. He found specimens of the tree near York in 1840.
Later, in 1982, another scientist named Lawrie Johnson changed its name to Allocasuarina drummondiana. The name huegeliana was chosen to honor the person who collected the first samples of the plant.
Where Does the Rock Sheoak Grow?
The rock sheoak grows near granite rocks in the southwest part of Western Australia. It is native to some areas, meaning it naturally belongs there. In other places, it has spread and grown on its own.
You can find it from the Murchison River in the north, all the way south to the coast. It also grows east towards Balladonia. It lives in many different natural areas of Western Australia, including the Avon Wheatbelt, Coolgardie, Esperance Plains, Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forest, Mallee, Murchison, and Swan Coastal Plain.
Is the Rock Sheoak Protected?
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions says that Allocasuarina huegeliana is "not threatened." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.
How People Use the Rock Sheoak
The rock sheoak is a tree that grows at a moderate to fast speed. It is special because it can help add nitrogen to the soil, which is good for other plants. People often plant it to create a windbreak, which helps protect farms or homes from strong winds.
Growing Conditions
This tree grows best in soil that drains water well. It does not do well in salty soil or areas where water sits for a long time. The wood from the rock sheoak is very attractive and dense. It is used to make special furniture. The leaves and branches can also be used as food for grazing animals like sheep.
Resilience and Lifespan
The rock sheoak can handle dry weather and cold temperatures (frost). However, it can be killed by fire. These trees can live for more than 15 years.
