Coast She-oak - Casuarina equisetifolia

Description and Uses

Casuarina equisetifolia (Coast She-oak) is a tropical tree from Northern Australia. It is mainly grown for its fuel crops (long shelflife), but also

can be produced. The crop is harvested by total removing.

. Medical uses include;

The contains ( - ). Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is fast, its energetic value is 5100 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is fast; it is a very suitable species for firewood prodution. After 8 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Casuarina equisetifolia has a lifespan of 45 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 50 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Casuarina equisetifolia has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations

(endo-mycorrhiza high). It is able to fix nitrogen with Enterobacteriaceae bacteria. The tree`s flower-morphology is monoecious and is pollinated by wind.

Casuarina equisetifolia thrives in an altitude of 0 to 1400 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 0°C and optimally between 10 - 35°C. The optimal rainfall is 1950 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 200 - 3500 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 6.0 - 8.0 in a soil texture of loam. To salt it is 4 to wind and to fire .

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Pests and Diseases

and

diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 1 months. There are approximative 35 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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