Common Name(s): Swamp She-Oak, Swamp Oak, Western Swamp Oak

Family: Casuarinaceae

Native To: Western and southern Australia

Native Habitat: Found in moist, saline soils, usually near permanent water.

Growth Habit: Medium sized evergreen tree.

Flowering:

Distinguishing Characteristics: Reaching heights ranging from 18-45 feet, this species is one of the smaller species of Casuarina. It can be easily distinguished though by its relatively wide branchlets, ranging from 1-1.5 mm in diameter, and its numerous leaves (teeth), ranging 12-16 per whorl. In addition to the branchlet characteristics, C. obesa also has a tendency to develop a multi-trunked growth, which is quite evident in the specimen found on campus. This species also has a strong tendency to grow numerous suckers from its root system.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: This species is considered endangered in New South Wales, part of the area of its native distribution. Several factors have lead to its decline in this area some of them including the loss of its habitat for agriculture, destruction of its seedlings by grazing cattle, and increased competition by introduced non-native species. Previously this species had been noted for its ability to grow in heavily waterlogged areas under very saline conditions.

Ethnobotany: Recently C. obesa has been used in revegetation projects in waterlogged areas. Its ability to withstand very waterlogged and saline conditions have made it an excellent candidate for stabilizing soil in such areas. Its wood has also been used, though not quite as prized as other species in the genus, to make furniture and fencing.

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