[Category 2] Bull Oak

[Jan]

This 25cm high, Australian native, known locally as a Bull Oak, has been through the wars. Wallabies have kept it trimmed over the years and now I have collected it on February 22, 2010, and am growing it in south east NSW.

The twin trunks, the deep fissures of the old bark at the base and the fact that the plant was reshooting after recent rain all made it too interesting for me to pass by.

2010-03-02_BullOak a.jpg

2010-03-02_BullOak b.jpg

It has a tap root as long as it’s top so I have planted it in a black plastic pot, scored the top of the root (applying hormone jell) and planted the upper section in a light mix of sphagnum and seed raising mix, held in place by a cut off drink bottle (I’ll be able to see the new roots through the side), to encourage it to grow a new, shallow set of roots. Now I wait.

Jan

[Jan]

Locally these are known as Bull Oaks; when I checked Allocasuarina luehmannii is listed as Bull Oak but isn't supposed to be in my area.

Allocasuarina littoralis - Black Sheoak, Allocasuarina nana and Allocasuarina verticillata - Drooping Sheoak are listed for my area so I will have to investigate further.

Jan

[Jan]

I have confirmed that this is an Allocasuarina littoralis,

Jan

[anttal63]

Lucky you jan she's a good sort then!

[Jan]

This little Allocasuarina is coming along nicely, still green and chirpy, and hopefully busy growing a new, shallower set of roots.

I don't plan to inspect its roots intil it shows significant top growth to indicate that something may be happening. Hopefully in late spring I will be able to assess it to see if I sever it and tepot or wait and check again in autumn.

I've read that these grow quickly so I am looking forward to progress sooner rather than later.

Jan