Casuarina equisetifolia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Fagales
Family: Casuarinaceae
Genus: Casuarina
Species: C. Equisetifolia
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Plant profile
A tall pine-like tree with a soft, wispy appearance that grows up to 20-30m (65-100 ft) in height, which is known in English as "ironwood" or "she-oak,” and “horse tail tree." The leaves are reduced to rings of scales around long, slender, grooved, branches that are somewhat like pine needles. Flowers are unisexual, found on the same or separate trees.
Ecology
The climate in its natural range is semi-arid to sub humid. In most regions there is a distinct dry period of 4-6 months, although this seasonality decreases towards the equator in Southeast Asia and in the southern parts of its range in Australia. C. equisetifolia is commonly confined to a narrow strip adjacent to sandy coasts, rarely extending inland to lower hills, as in Fiji. Found on sand dunes, in sands alongside estuaries and behind fore- dunes and gentle slopes near the sea. It may be at the leading edge of dune vegetation, subject to salt spray and inundation with seawater at extremely high tides. C. equisetifolia may be the only woody species growing over a ground cover of dune grasses and salt-tolerant broadleaved herbs; it can also be part of a richer association of trees and shrubs collectively termed the Indo-Pacific strand flora.
Uses Casuarina is widely used as a bonsai subject, particularly in South-east Asia and parts of the Caribbean. Indonesian specimens and those cultivated in Taiwan are regarded among the best in the bonsai world. The wood of this tree is used for shingles, fencing, and is said to make excellent, hot burning firewood. Among the islands of Hawaii, Casuarina are also grown for erosion prevention, and in general as wind breaking elements.