Flora of the Pilliga Forests: Allocasuarina diminuta subsp. diminuta

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Allocasuarina diminuta subsp. diminuta

Male Allocasuarina diminuta subsp. diminuta

Family - Casurinaceae

Common name - Nil

Description - Male and female flowers are on separate plants. Photographs here show male and female 'flowers' and cones. Allocasuarina diminuta subsp. diminuta is a shrub to small tree often with weeping habit, from 1 to 5m tall. It is common in localised areas in The Pilliga growing on sandstone ridges and hillsides, and low open woodland. I took these flower photos in June and July.

Female 'flowers' of Allocasuarina diminuta subsp. diminuta

A close up of the male parts

Unopened cones of Allocasuarina diminuta subsp. diminuta

Allocasuarina diminuta subsp. diminuta

Male Allocasuarina diminuta subsp. diminuta

The Pilliga Forest is the largest remaining continuous remnant of semi-arid woodland in NSW, consisting of about 500,000 hectares of public bushland. The environment changes from cypress pine to ironbark to scribbly gum to box, and back again, interspersed with expansive heaths and a network of sandy creeks. The Pilliga is recognised as one of the most important areas for biodiversity in eastern Australia and is home to more than 350 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and frogs. To many who travel through the area, the woodlands might look monotonous, but if you drive the back roads slowly or wander amongst the vegetation, you will discover that The Pilliga is full of life and richness and wonder. It is truly a special place, and of huge significance to the survival of countless native plants and animals.