Very hardy drought tolerant tree, long needle like leaves, male and female flowers on different plants. Tolerates a wide range of heavy soils including clays and alkaline soils but not deep sands. Will withstand short periods of inundation. Full sun is best.

The bilaarr is a native oak tree that produces woody receptacles, or "cones," containing winged fruit instead of fleshy fruit. This tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has dull olive to grey foliage. It features drooping branchlets that appear green and segmented, resembling leaves.

Traditional Uses

The wood of the bilaarr, known as bilaarr wugan, is excellent for firewood and is also utilized in crafting tools such as axe handles and spears. These spears, which can have barbs made from wood, stone, or bone, were historically used to hunt animals, providing meat, clothing, and other implements. Various animals use the bilaarr tree (bilaarr muyaan) for habitat and food, making it essential in traditional hunting.

The word "bilaarr" also refers to the Black Cockatoo, a large bird often seen feeding on the cones and roosting in the bilaarr tree. For some Aboriginal people, the bilaarr cockatoo is a totem, symbolizing a responsibility to protect both the bird and the tree, which are vital for food and habitat (H. White & L. Taylor 2010, pers. comm.