River she-oak - Casuarina cunninghamiana

Description and Uses

Casuarina cunninghamiana (River she-oak) is a tropical tree from Northern Australia. It is mainly grown for its conservation crops (long shelflife), but also bio-mass, fertilization, fuel, mulch, ornamental, poles for construction, and timber can be produced. The crop is harvested by total removing. It starts flowering after 4 - 6 years. Medical uses include; anti-arthritic activity. The - contains - n/a - (_ - _). The tree`s wood is called river beefwood and has a density of 800 - 900 kg/m³. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is fast, its energetic value is 4870 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is fast; it is a very suitable species for firewood prodution. After 30 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Casuarina cunninghamiana has a lifespan of 90 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 25 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Casuarina cunninghamiana has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is able to fix nitrogen with Enterobacteriaceae bacteria. The tree`s flower-morphology is dioecious and is pollinated by wind. Casuarina cunninghamiana is evergreen and allelopathic and has no thorns.

Casuarina cunninghamiana thrives in an altitude of 0 to 2200 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 0°C and optimally between 13 - 29°C. The optimal rainfall is 1250 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 500 - 1500 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 8.0 in a soil texture of loam. To salt it is a bit tolerant to wind tolerant and to fire a bit tolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 2 months. There are approximative 605000 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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