Australian Pine
Casuarina equisetifolia
Casuarina equisetifolia is a medium-sized evergreen tree with slender, drooping branchlets resembling horsetails. It thrives in coastal and saline environments.
Attributes
Care guide
In Cyprus
Casuarina (Casuarina equisetifolia) is a fast-growing evergreen tree for full sun. According to the University of Florida (UF/IFAS) it is salt tolerant and grows well in sandy soil, which is why it is common along coastlines; right on the seafront, each project's exposure should still be judged case by case. This is a large tree that needs plenty of room. The same factsheet notes a shallow root system and very low resistance to high winds, so near buildings, roads or car parks the planting position needs careful assessment. Water regularly and deeply until it has established; after that, give supplementary water according to soil moisture and the weather. Whether it suits a frost-prone site depends on the local microclimate.
Uses in gardens and projects
Casuarina suits large sites, parks and spacious plots where it can grow freely and provide evergreen mass and shade. Its fine twigs, with tiny leaves pressed against them, give it a pine-like look, although it is not a pine. It has historically been planted as a windbreak, but because of its shallow roots that use needs a site-specific assessment on each project. It is not a tree for small courtyards, narrow pavements or planting next to buildings.
Frequently asked questions
- How tall does a Casuarina grow?
- It is a large tree. The University of Florida (UF/IFAS) reports that Casuarina equisetifolia can reach about 30 m with a spread of about 12 m; actual size depends on growing conditions.
- Is Casuarina salt tolerant?
- UF/IFAS describes it as salt tolerant and notes that it grows well in sandy soil, so it is often found on coastlines. For sites right on the sea, suitability should still be judged case by case, according to exposure.
- Does it stand up to strong winds?
- UF/IFAS notes that it has very low resistance to high winds and, because of its shallow root system, can topple. Keep it well away from buildings, roads and car parks.
- Does it need much water?
- Water regularly and deeply until it establishes. After that it needs supplementary watering according to soil moisture and the weather.
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