Thread: Timber ID, Casuarina?

They do grow down this way, I've recovered a few logs from various locations.

Looks to be a Casuarina to me, but couldn't tell you which species.

This website might help. It has a key for identification.
PlantNET - FloraOnline

The things that looks like a pine needle on Allocasuarina and Casuarina spp. are a form of segmented branch. From what I recall from uni days 30+ yrs ago, the little spikes that appear when you pull the "pine needle" apart are actually the leaves. Counting these spikes is the key to identifying the actual species.

Or you could just cut 'em down and squirrel the timber away to a later shed day. They are in the way of a shiny new shed aren't they.....

Thanks for your replies and advice gents, still not sure what it is.

You could try the National Botanic Gardens in Canberra, although they may want more detailed pics.

I'll be in Melbourne tomorrow arvo, dropping a timber slab off at Fitzroy and have a appointment at a Uni in the city on Thursday at 11am so could call in after that as well. Have a little book that will help to ID it and if that doesn't, a friend with a bigger book and some close up shots should be able to, as he is an qualified arborist.

My parents live in Templestowe, so I'm not too far out of my travels.

its a type of native pine, maybe Callitris canescens ?

Originally Posted by Acco

I'll be in Melbourne tomorrow arvo, dropping a timber slab off at Fitzroy and have a appointment at a Uni in the city on Thursday at 11am so could call in after that as well. Have a little book that will help to ID it and if that doesn't, a friend with a bigger book and some close up shots should be able to, as he is an qualified arborist.

My parents live in Templestowe, so I'm not too far out of my travels.

Thanks for the offer Acco, very much appreciated. I'm out of town till late, if I had of read the responses then I would of stayed home. Thanks once again.

Originally Posted by bench1holio

its a type of native pine, maybe Callitris canescens ?

Looking at images of this species I think you've hit the nail on the head here, will look closely tonight.

This is Cherry Ballart. Exocarpus cuppressoformis
Exocarpos cupressiformis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It is a parasite, growing initially on the roots of other trees. It isn't a pest though, being a very common part of the bush. Nice tree. Not sure of any value to the timber.

Looks a bit like a casuarina, or a native cypress,but the leaves are very different.

I agree with quercus. From my limited experience (one small tree), the wood is prone to splitting when drying. It's a dense wood, but not hard, can have very variable colour & grain, easily worked with hand tools & turns beautifully. I've made only small things from it, but found it great for threading for handscrews. Biggest problem I had was finding sound pieces big enough - apart from hidden knots, a big, fat, borer left tunnels the size of your little finger in it!

Cheers,

Bit hard to tell with the pics but I reckon there is a parasite, misteltoe, it is growing attached to a Callitris species. The large gall type structures are the attachments. Thats my take on it anyway with the pics available.

looks like cypress pine to me it grows heaps up here on the coast
chowcini

I am sure it has already been answered correctly as an Exocarpus, it is most certainly not a Casuarina. Species, I would be guessing at .... Have never seen one big enough to do much with, anything over 100mm diam in my part of the world would be a monster.... Interesting, and good luck with it!
Silver Dog.