River sheoak
River sheoak (Casuarina cunninghamiana) has a slow to moderate growth rate, preferring 800 mm or more of annual rainfall and well-drained loams or alluvial soils. It is a nitrogen fixer that is very compatible with pasture. Not a mainstream plantation species but it has found its niche in shelterbelts as a multipurpose tree that adds wood and fodder versatility.
Table 1: General characteristics for river sheoak
Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
Botanical name | Casuarina cunninghamiana |
Growth rate in preferred conditions | Slow to moderate |
Estimated rotation length (yr) in preferred conditions to produce 60 cm diameter at breast height | 25–35 |
Preferred annual rainfall (mm/yr) | 800+ |
Minimum rainfall (mm/yr) | 650 |
Preferred elevation (m) ASL | 0–600 |
Preferred landscape position | Drainage line, river flat |
Preferred soil | Well-drained loams or alluvial soils |
Prohibitive soil | Heavy clay soils |
Poor drainage tolerance | Low to moderate |
Dry site tolerance | Low to moderate |
Frost tolerance | Moderate to high |
Pest and disease problems: | High palatability of foliage makes them prone to browsing damage from rabbits, kangaroos and livestock. |
Table 2: Timber characteristics for river sheoak
Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
Strength: seasoned timber only | SD4: moderate |
Durability: in ground | above ground | 2 | 2 |
Drying: green to 12% moisture content | Care needed in drying to avoid splitting/cupping. Shrinkage about 3% radial and 8% tangential. Collapse may occur, requiring reconditioning. |
Main commercial products | Ornamental turnery, decorative woodware, fencing, roof shingles and an excellent firewood. |
Bushfire resistance: measured by bushfire attack level (BAL) | Not tested |
Least attractive features | Must be quartersawn to minimise drying degrade, palatability to browsing animals. |
Most attractive features | Nitrogen fixer, great agroforestry tree, very compatible with pasture, good form, attractive timber. Sapwood not susceptible to lyctid borer. |
Status as a plantation species in Gippsland | Not mainstream, but has found a niche in shelterbelts as a multipurpose tree that adds wood and fodder versatility. |
Note: Timber characteristics and durability are based on Australian Standard: Timber Natural durability ratings (AS 5604–2005). Refer to the Appendix for an explanatory table. Where (?) applied, rating is based on field experience.
Note: Bushfire resistance measurement is based on naturally bushfire resisting timbers, which are those with inherent bushfire-resisting properties. For more information refer to Australian Standard 3959:2018.
Assumptions and notes
- Sites considered for planting contain at least one metre of soil above an impeding layer (e.g., bedrock or layer impenetrable to roots).
- Please note that most (if not all) eucalypts in Gippsland grow best on sheltered sites.
- Overall slow drying time across air and kiln-dried schedules is recommended to minimise drying degrade. This is the best starting point for inexperienced operators.
References
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Boland DJ et. al (1992). Forest trees of Australia. CSIRO Australia.
Bootle KR (1983). Wood in Australia – Types, properties and uses. McGraw Hill, Australia
Carnegie AJ (2002). Field guide to common pests and diseases in eucalypt plantations in NSW. Research and Development Division of State Forests, NSW.
Clarke B, McLeod I and Vercoe T (eds) 2009. Trees for farm forestry: 22 promising species. RIRDC Publication No. 09/015. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.
Mortimer J (2003). A selection of alternative timbers. Taitua Books, NZ.
National Association of Forest Industries (2004). Timber species and properties, revised edition. Timber Manual Datafile P1
Nicholas ID, Gifford HH and Kimberely MO (1997). Siting black walnut. FRI Bulletin no. 188
Phillips C (1996). Insects, diseases and deficiencies associated with eucalypts in South Australia. Primary Industries SA Forests.
Poole B, Waugh G and Yang JL (2017). Potential for growing and processing durable eucalypts in New Zealand. Publication No. SWP-T036. Solid Wood Innovation. Specialty Wood Products Research Partnership.
Reid R (2017). Heartwood. The art and science of growing trees for conservation and profit. Melbourne Books.
Tepper CJ (2002). Plantation eucalypt species for solid wood products – a profile of Eucalyptus muelleriana. Gottstein Fellowship Report for the Gottstein Memorial Trust
Tepper CJ (2008). Site Matching and Establishing Eucalypt Sawlog Species in Southern Australia. In Beadle CL and Brown AG (eds) 2008. Plantation eucalypts for high value timber. RIRDC Publication No. 08/113, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.