Australian Pine ( Casuarina equisetifolia ) is an evergreen tree native to Northern parts of Australia, Southeast Asia & the Pacific Islands. The word ‘equisetum’ translates to ‘horsehair’ in Latin. The species name was given to this tree because of its thin, drooping branches that resemble a horse’s tail. The Casuarina equisetifolia is commonly used as a bonsai plant in some Asian countries; in fact some of the specimens in Taiwan are considered some of the best in the world! Other common names for this Australian Pine are She Oak, Horsetail Tree, Whistling Pine Tree, Beach She Oak, Australian Beefwood, Coast Casuarina, and Coast Ironwood. Growth The Australian Pine is a fast-growing tree to an average height of 8-16 metres, although it is known to get as tall as 30 metres in Southeast Asia. It is an evergreen tree with long, thin drooping branches/twigs around 40 cm’s long and 1-2 mm wide. This species is not fussy in regard to soil conditions; as long as it’s not wet and boggy. It will grow well in dry; sandy; and even salty soils but will not tolerate much frost, making it best suited to sub-tropical and tropical climates; but can be grown in temperate climates. Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record. FAMILY: Casuarinaceae CLIMATE: Temperate, Sub Tropical & Tropical TEMPERATURE RANGE: 6°C to 48°C / 42 to 118°F SOIL TYPE: It is tolerant of most soil types as long as it is well draining. LOCATION: Full Sun HEIGHT: Up to 16 metres (52 feet) WIDTH: Up to 10 metres (32 feet) pH: 5.0-9.0 GROWTH TYPE: Evergreen, Fast Growing. WATER REQUIREMENTS: Low POLLINATION: Pollinated by Wind, Monoecious MATURITY: 2-5 years GERMINATION RATES: 50-68% GERMINATION TIME: 2-4 weeks GERMINATION DIFFICULTY: Reasonably Easy SEEDS PER GRAM: Approximately 500 seeds MEDICINAL QUALITIES: Yes WEED POTENTIAL: Yes FACTS ABOUT CASUARINA EQUISETIFOLIA (Australian Pine) The Australian Pine Tree is invasive in some countries, including South Africa; Japan; Jamaica, Hawaii, United States and Brazil. This species has many environmental uses; due to its high wind tolerance and ability to absorb wind energy exceptionally well. These reasons make it great as a wind break for crops and livestock, or as a shelter belt tree. Its tolerance to salinity in soils also makes it suitable for erosion control in coastal areas. This plant contains chemicals that have value for medical reasons, more studies need to be conducted for further use.
