Allocasuarina decaisneana or desert oak is an attractive medium sized, slow growing tree found in the dry desert regions of the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. Young trees have a narrow trunk and grey/green feathery foliage. They mature to an adult form with spreading limbs and bushy foliage. It is the only member of its family in Central Australia and its large cylindrical cones are the biggest in its family. Fire does not usually kill the tree.

Desert oaks can be propagated by seed, but they are not easy to grow outside of their natural environment.

References

• “Australian Native Plants” by John W. Wrigley and Murray Fagg, 4th edition, Reed, 1997
• Australian Flora: http://www.australianexplorer.com/australian_flora.htm