Description
Casuarina equisetifolia is an evergreen tree and has a conifer-like appearance.
The foliage of this perennial plant consists of slender, much branched green to grey-green twigs, bearing minute scale-leaves in whorls of 6 to 8. The flowers are produced in small catkin-like inflorescences. It is monoecious, with male and female flowers produced on the same tree. Seed germination rate is approximately 50 %.
Seeds Specifications
| Seeds per Packet | 20000 |
| Common Name | Whistling Pine, Casuarina, Common Ironwood, Beefwood, Bull-oak, Jungli Saru |
| Height | Up to 35 m |
| Flower Colour | Inconspicuous (Light brown) |
| Bloom Time | Male flowers by second year and females a little later. |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to grow |
Planting and care
- Acclimatize slowly, avoid a sudden change in environmental parameters
- Be careful to water the plants regularly during the first two years following planting
- Do watering is done along with the planting
- Organic insecticides such as biocide are highly effective to get rid of moths (parasites)
- The area should be cleared off all the debris and miscellaneous growth if any
Casuarina equisetifolia care
- It grows along sandy coasts and coastal forests naturally
- It can be propagated by seed
- Seeds can be sown without pre-treatment but should be protected from ants
- Each bed of ten square meters is sown with 400 to 500 g of clean seed
- The seed should be mixed with fine sand and broadcasted on the beds
- They should be covered lightly with hay and watered twice a day
- In about ten to 15 days, the germination is almost complete
- Light wateringtwice a day be continued thereafter for a month or till the seedlings are of 10cm
- Plants are typically suitable for out-planting when 25 to 30 cm tall
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate. The irrigation is required for once in every 10 to 15 days. |
| Soil | Well-Drained Soils, Saline, Loose, Fine Soils |
| Temperature | 16 to 45 degrees C |
| Fertilizer | Use any organic fertilizer. |
Casuarina equisetifolia special feature
It has a strong resistance to high winds and can thus be used as a windbreak.
Casuarina equisetifolia uses
Ornamental Use:
- The tree is commonly grown as an ornamental
Medicinal Use:
- Bark and twigs are used in ayurvedic preparations
- Note: Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally
Culinary Use:
- The seeds are roasted for salt
- The leaves and green fruit were chewed to stimulate salivation to quench thirst
- Note: Please consult your health expert