CASUARINA

Botanical Name: Casuarina equisetifolia
Common Names: Australian Pine, Horsetail Tree, She-oak
Mature Size: 20–100 feet (6–30 meters) in height, 15–35 feet (4.5–10 meters) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, saline, and nutrient-poor substrates
Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Needle-like, jointed green branchlets that resemble pine needles; true leaves are tiny scales
Flowers: Inconspicuous, wind-pollinated flowers; males and females typically on separate trees
Growth Rate: Fast

Uses:
Windbreak and Erosion Control: Casuarina is widely used in coastal areas and arid landscapes to stabilize soils and reduce wind erosion due to its fast growth and extensive root system.

Ornamental Tree: With its wispy, evergreen foliage and upright form, it adds a graceful, pine-like presence to landscapes in tropical and subtropical climates.

Timber and Fuel: Its dense wood is valued for firewood, charcoal, and light construction, especially in rural settings.

Benefits:
Drought Resistance: Thrives in dry, sandy soils with minimal irrigation once established.
Low Maintenance: Tough and resilient, requires little care beyond periodic pruning and cleanup of fallen branchlets.
Ecological Value: Fixes nitrogen through symbiosis with actinomycete bacteria, improving poor soils; provides shade and habitat for wildlife.
Fast Growth and Structure: Quickly adds vertical interest and screening in open landscapes, especially useful in coastal or degraded areas.

Casuarina equisetifolia is a fast-growing, hardy tree ideal for challenging environments. Its adaptability, erosion control properties, and low water requirements make it a valuable addition to sustainable landscape designs, particularly in coastal, arid, and degraded soils.