Horsetail Tree
Casuarina equisetifolia
NEMBA category
English: Horsetail Tree, Australian Pine, Beefwood, Bloodwood, Coastal Beefwood, Mile Tree, She Oak, South Sea Ironwood
Afrikaans: Perdestertboom, Bewerasieboom
A tall, evergreen, salt-tolerant tree with slender branches that arch, and pine-like leaves that are needle-shaped with small scales. The tree produces small brown woody cones and winged flattened seeds.
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Origins: Australia, Southeast Asia, and Pacific Islands
Overall Appearance:
Casuarina equisetifolia is a fast-growing, evergreen tree that can reach heights of 6-35 meters. It has a conical or spreading crown with slender, drooping branches.
Leaves:
True leaves are reduced to tiny scales arranged in whorls around the branchlets. The branchlets themselves are green and needle-like, resembling pine needles, and play a significant role in photosynthesis.
Flowers:
Flowers are inconspicuous. Male flowers are small, yellowish spikes, while female flowers are small, reddish-brown heads.
Flowering Season:
Flowering occurs throughout the year.
Fruits:
Small, woody, cone-like structures containing numerous winged seeds.
Seeds:
Small, winged seeds that are easily dispersed by wind.
Bark:
Grey-brown bark that becomes rough and fissured with age.
Wood:
Hard, dense, and durable.
Soil Type:
Tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including sandy, saline, and nutrient-poor soils. It can withstand drought and salt spray.
Aspect:
Prefers full sun.
Uses:
Widely planted for erosion control, windbreaks, and as an ornamental tree.
The wood is used for timber, firewood, and charcoal.
Problem Provinces:
Widespread throughout South Africa, particularly in coastal areas.
Note:
Casuarina equisetifolia is a highly invasive species in South Africa.
It forms dense thickets that displace native vegetation, alter soil chemistry, and increase the risk of fire.
It can also disrupt coastal ecosystems and impact coastal biodiversity.
Control measures, such as cutting and stump treatment, are often necessary to manage infestations.
Friendly alternatives:
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Scientific Name
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Plant type
Plant family:
Plant family (derivation)