Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Allocasuarina portuensis
Profile last updated:
24 Jul 2019
Description
A slender shrub, 3 - 5 m high with branchlets drooping to spreading and dark green in colour. It is a dioecious species (male and female flowers on different plants). Branchlet articles are cylindrical, usually with a faint waxy bloom, hairless, 13 - 20 mm long and 0.8 - 1.0 mm in diameter. Teeth on articles are seven or eight per whorl, spreading to recurved, 0.7 - 1.1 mm long. Cones are cylindrical and borne on peduncles 2 - 15 mm long.
Distribution
The original known habitat of the Neilsen Park She-oak is at Nielsen Park, in Woollahra local government area. There are no plants left at the original site where it was discovered. However, propagation material has been planted successfully at a number of locations at Nielsen Park and other locations in the local area, e.g. Gap Bluff, Hermit Point and Vaucluse House.
Habitat and ecology
- The original habitat is tall closed woodland. Canopy species include: Ficus rubiginosa, Angophora costata, Elaeocarpus reticulatus and Gloichidion ferdinandi with a shrub layer of Pittosporum revolutum, Kunzea ambigua and Monotoca elliptica.
- The original habitat occurs above a sandstone shelf approximately 20 m above the harbour. The shallow sandy soils are highly siliceous, coarsely textured and devoid of a soil profile. The plantings have occurred on similar soils.
- Flowering occurs throughout the winter months (April-August), though many of the in situ plantings have also been observed to flower during January and March. The species is probably wind pollinated.
- Species in the Casuarinaceae are generally obligate seed regenerators. Most species are killed by fire, although some species can resprout. It is most conservative to assume that it is killed by fire unless otherwise shown.
- Reproductive success is dependent on the availability of pollen.
- Life span is greater than 10 years, and possibly up to 30 years.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Inappropriate fire regimes.
- Weed invasion.
- Habitat degradation through park management activities or recreational usage.
- The species is susceptible to extinction via stochastic processes due to its restricted distribution and area of occupancy.
- The species is susceptible to extinction via stochastic processes due to its small known population size and restricted distribution.
Recovery strategies
A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click
here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click
here
Activities to assist this species
- Maintain ex situ collection.
- Do not burn until reseach into this species respose to fire has determine appropriate fire regimes.
- Undertake weed control.
- Undertake habitat restoration.
- Assist natural regeneration eg after ecological burns.
- Monitor sites.
- Assess hybridity status of planted individuals.
- Undertake research into biology and ecology of species.
- Continue translocations where appropriate.
Information sources
- Benson, D. and McDougall, L. (1995) Ecology of Sydney plant species. Part 3: Dicotyledon families Cabombaceae to Eupomatiaceae. Cunninghamia 4(2): 143-431
- Brookhouse, P. (1986) A new species of she-oak found in the centre of Sydney. Australian Ranger Bulletin 4(1)
- Fairley, A. (2004) Seldom seen: rare plants of greater Sydney. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
- Hogbin, P. (2002) Review of the Threatened Species Conservation Act Flora Schedules: Recommendations to the Scientific Committee.
- Matthes, M. and Nash, S. (1994) Conservation Research Statement and Recovery Plan for Allocasuarina portuensis. (Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Endangered Species Program, Canberra)
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2000) Allocasuarina portuensis Recovery Plan. (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)
- Wilson, K.L. and Johnson, L.A.S. (1989) Casuarinaceae. In: George, A.S. (ed) Flora of Australia vol. 3 pp. 100-189. (Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra)
- Wilson, K.L. and Johnson, L.A.S. (2000) Allocasuarina. Pp 510-517 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 1. Revised Edition (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
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IBRA Bioregion
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IBRA Subregion
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Known or predicted
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Geographic restrictions region
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|---|
| Ocean | Hawkesbury Shelf |
Known
| None |
| Sydney Basin | Pittwater |
Known
| East of Gladesville bridge, within 5 km of Sydney Harbour foreshore |