Casuarina equisetifolia

Casuarina equisetifolia is a versatile and valuable tree species, particularly in coastal areas where it helps to protect against erosion and stabilize dunes. However, its potential to become invasive requires careful management when introduced to new regions.

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Scientific Name : Casuarina equisetifolia

Family : Casuarinaceae

Common Name : Coastal She-Oak, Horsetail She-Oak, Ironwood, Beach She-Oak, Beach Casuarina, Whistling Tree, Australian Pine, Common Rhu, Common Ru, Horsetail Tree, Whistling Pine, Aru, Horsetail Casuarina, 木麻黄

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CLASSIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Plant Growth Form : Tree

Lifespan (in Indonesia) : Perennial

BIOGEOGRAPHY

Native Distribution : Asia Tenggara (including Indonesia), Australia, New Guinea, Asia Tenggara, and India.

Native Habitat : It grows near the sea, behind beaches, on sandy shores, rocky coasts, estuaries, coastal forests, and sand dunes.

DESCRIPTION AND ETHNOBOTANY

Growth Form

This growth form allows Casuarina equisetifolia to thrive well in harsh coastal environments, where this tree plays an important role in stabilizing the soil and protecting it from erosion due to wind and water.

Foliage

The true leaves are very small and arranged in circles around the twig segments that resemble needles. These twigs are called cladodes or phylloclades which function similarly to leaves in general for photosynthesis.

Flowers

The small, inconspicuous flowers have no petals and are usually arranged in clusters. The flower structure of Casuarina equisetifolia is well suited to its windy environment.

Fruit

The fruit is known as a capsule or cone fruit with an oval to cylindrical shape, about 1 - 2 cm long and about 0.5 - 1 cm wide. The surface of the fruit is rough and has small, hard bumps or scales that are green when the fruit is young and turn brown or grayish when ripe and dry.

Habitat

Casuarina equisetifolia is primarily found in coastal habitats, where it thrives in environments characterized by sandy soils, saline conditions, and exposure to wind and salt spray.

LANDSCAPING FEATURES

Desirable Plant Features : Ornamental Foliage

Landscape Uses                  : Coastal, Suitable for Roadsides, Parks & Gardens, Beachfront / Shoreline

FAUNA, POLLINATION AND DISPERSAL

Fauna Pollination                 : Abiotic

Dispersal Associated

Fauna

PLANT CARE AND PROPAGATION

Light Preference : Full Sun

Water Preference : Moderate Water

Plant Growth Rate : Moderate

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