Rose Sheoak

By Geoff Holloway

Rose she-oak or forest oak (Allocasuarina torulosa) is a tree which grows in sub-rainforest (just outside the main forest area) of Queensland and New South Wales, a tree that typically reaches 12-18 metres but can grow to 30 metres.

It appears to have thread-like drooping foliage, but these are actually twigs, dark green turning brown in winter. The tree produces warty cones and Its bark is thick and corky, easily identifiable tree. The heartwood is reddish pink to brown with prominent medullary rays but with most casuarinas a tendency to split when drying.

Prized by woodworkers and woodturners but not readily available and usually in small cross section