This is the tallest species of the genus in Florida (up to 40 m). Typically does not form root suckers, coppices weakly from low stumps, but may coppice well from stumps taller than 1 m (Woodall and Geary 1985). The samara is 6-8 mm long and pale brown. Cones usually abundant, 10-20 mm in diameter, slightly longer than wide, covered while green with continuous mat of white hairs that turn rusty with age. Staminate spike terminal, 0.6-2.5 cm long, with floral bracts enveloping stamens not visible around teeth before anthesis. Secondarily thickened twigs dark gray, rough, with persistent, recurved leaf-teeth (Woodall and Geary 1985). Longitudinal rib corresponding to leaf midvein sharp stomatal trench at bottom of furrow prominent, filled with often exserted hairs. (Long and Lakela 1971, Barrett 1956) Leaf teeth, 6-8, occasionally brown tipped but usually becoming gradually whiter toward tip and edges. Natural hybridization and differences in nomenclature make American literature on the subject confusing (Woodall and Geary 1985, Long and Lakela 1971).Ĭasuarina equisetifolia: (Australian Pine, Beefwood, Horsetail Tree) The presence of hybrids is a cause of uncertainty in readily distinguishing these species at a distance. The most common Casuarinas established in southern and central Florida include three species: Casuarina equisetifolia L. They were introduced into Barbados about 1870, into Hawaii before 1895, and were naturalized in the West Indies and Florida before 1920 (Morton 1980). Some seeds were distributed under erroneous names and problems of misidentification have continued since (Morton 1980, Woodall and Geary 1985).Īustralian Pines were observed by botanists in Mexico prior to 1852. Seven Australian and one East Indian species of Casuarina were introduced into the United States before 1924, beginning with seeds brought from France in 1898 by the U.S. In moist soils at certain sites in Australia and elsewhere, one third or more of the trees are well nodulated by nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Morton 1980, Burger 1971, Kunkel 1978, Langeland 1988, Woodall and Geary 1985, Long and Lakela 1971). The female flowers occur in lateral heads on non-shedding branchlets and the fruits form woody cones when ripe. Each flower is subtended by 3 or 4 bracts and consists of a single stamen. Male flowers are borne in slender, cylindrical spikes at the twig tips. However, the scales are helpful in an environment where fresh water is scarce the lack of typical leaves and the structure of the needles retard the escape of water. Such scales cannot perform most of the functions of normal leaves. Their midveins run down to the next node and form more or less distinct ribs. The tufts of deciduous, jointed, grooved, green twigs resemble pine needles but separate easily at the nodes where the true leaves are seen as tiny, pointed teeth ringing the joint (Morton 1980). They are fairly stout-trunked, rough-barked, fast-growing trees with nearly erect or semi-spreading main branches and slim branchlets.

All Casuarina species have evergreen, needlelike foliage and woody cones. The angiosperm family, Casuarinaceae, includes 4 genera and 82 species (Woodall and Geary 1985).

Scientific Names: Casuarina equisetifoliaĬommon Names: Australian pine, shea (she)-oak, beefwood, horsetail tree, casuarina, scaly bark oak, common ironwood, swampoak, gago, goago, gagu, agoho, gaogao, agas, ngas, ngasu, whistling pine It is also found in other areas in tropical America. Ecological Threat Casuarina equisetifolia is found on sandy shores, pinelands, disturbed sites, filled wetlands, road shoulders, cleared land, and undeveloped lots in south Florida. The fruits are contained in woody, cone-like structures that are 0.75 in. Fruit Fruit are tiny, winged nutlets that each contain one seed. Male flowers occur in terminal spikes, while the female flowers are in small, axillary clusters. Flowers Male and female flowers are present on the same plant and are inconspicuous. Branchlets resemble pine needles and are very thin, 4-8 in. Foliage The reddish-brown to gray bark is brittle and peels. It is native to Australia and southeast Asia and was introduced into Florida in the late 1800’s. Australian-pine, Australian pine, beach sheoak, common ironwood Overview Appearance Casuarina equisetifolia is a deciduous tree that occurs in open, coastal habitats including sand beaches, rocky coasts and sand dunes.

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