Casuarina cunninghamiana aka Beefwood

Casuarina cunninghamiana, or river she-oak, belongs to the Casuarinaceae family. Its native range spans southeastern New Guinea and northern and eastern Australia. This evergreen tree grows fast and lives for many years. It grows beside freshwater streams, rivers, and nearby flat ground. In these sites, its roots grow in river-deposited sand and loam. It extends only a short way up nearby valley slopes.

Garden references give a height of about 59 feet [18 metres]. A broader account reports trees reaching 115 feet [35 metres]. That account gives a lower height of 39 feet [12 metres]. The trunk can reach almost 5 feet [1.5 metres] across. The tree keeps its foliage throughout the year. It can form suckers, which help it hold loose soil. It also fixes nitrogen, adding value in land restoration schemes.

Male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Wind carries the pollen, and the species cannot fertilise itself. Both sexes must grow nearby for seed production. Plants For A Future lists flowering from May to June. It gives September to December as the seed-ripening season. These dates reflect that source's growing context, rather than all climates. The tree also forms seed cones.

Give this tree full sun, as it cannot grow in shade. It suits sand, loam, and clay across a broad pH range. Moist soil that drains well meets its stated growing needs. It also copes with dry soil, damp sites, and drought. Reports note tolerance of wind and salt as well. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–11. Frost limits vary with age and growing conditions. Mature trees may endure brief cold near 14°F [-10°C]. Young growth can suffer severe harm at 30°F [-1°C]. Australian cold tolerance may not carry over to British gardens.

People plant river she-oak for shelter, ornament, and erosion control. Its roots help protect stream banks and reclaim disturbed ground. Plantings also shield roads from drifting sand. The durable wood serves for floors, handles, poles, and fuel. Leaves provide dyes in gold, green, and grey shades. Bark supplies material for tanning. The cited references report no known edible or medicinal uses. They also list no known hazards, but provide no specific safety testing. The supplied evidence names no particular pests or diseases.