City Farm talks she-oaks
Casuarina equisetifolia is an attractive tree with a pendulous habit and looks most attractive after rain, when the drops hanging from the grey-green branchlets glisten in the sun Image Mary Boyce
City Farm has received a grant to purchase a new hothouse, enabling us to propagate more plants successfully. Look out for the bright new flags on our boundary fence and drop in to view our range.
Our plant of the month is Casuarina equisetifolia (Horse tail oak, Coast she-oak). This she-oak has been used extensively in coastal plantings because it is tolerant of sea-spray, seeds readily in nutrient deficient soil and its open habit helps it remain upright in all but the strongest winds.
If you have walked along Rainbow Beach after a very severe weather event, you may have noticed some or many of these she-oaks uprooted. This small tree has a vital role in helping to stabilise the foredunes and acts as a windbreak for the vegetation behind, which can suffer quite badly when the trees come down.
City Farm, opposite Tin Can Bay Community Centre, is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am-3pm, 07 54862304, ccfni09@gmail.com, www.cooloolacityfarm.org
