Common Name(s): Belah, Muurrgu

Family: Casuarinaceae

Native To: Eastern Australia

Native Habitat: Usually found in open woodlands growing in a variety of soil types ranging from sandy to dense clayey.

Growth Habit: Medium to large evergreen tree.

Flowering:

Distinguishing Characteristics: Growing to heights of 30-60 feet, this species can be distinguished from the other two Casuarina species found on campus by its relatively wide branchlets, reaching almost 1mm wide, and the amount of leaves (teeth) ranging between 8-12 per whorl. On campus this species most closely resembles C. obesa, obesa however has even wider branchlets and more leaves (teeth) per whorl.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: Can be quite abundant throughout inland woodlands in Queensland and New South Wales. Monotypic stands have been reported from these areas some of which have been noted as being clonal stands. C. cristata is commonly noted as readily developing suckers from its root system.

Ethnobotany: As with many of the other species in this genus, the wood of C. cristata has been well-regarded for its hard and durable qualities,as well as its richness in tannins. It has been most commonly used to make furniture and fences, as well as for firewood.

Back to UA Arboretum Species Listing Page
Back to The She-Oaks of Campus