It looks a lot like a conifer, but it is not. The Casuarina equisetifolia It is a very beautiful and resistant tree that grows both in sandy and poor soils, and that also produces very decorative small flowers.
Maintenance is not complicated, although it is true that you have to plant it at a certain distance from pipes and others to avoid problems. Do we know it?
Origin and characteristics
In this semi-evergreen tree (it partially loses its leaves in autumn-winter) whose scientific name is Casuarina equisetifolia. It is popularly known as Australian pine, Paris pine, sadness tree, Philippine agoho, or horsetail casuarina, and is endemic to Australia, Malaysia, and Polynesia.
Reaches a height of 25 to 30 meters, with a straight bearing and a trunk with a maximum thickness of 50cm. The leaves are thin, long, green in color, and 10-20cm long. The flowers are unisexual, small in size and reddish-pink in color. The fruit is a globose false pineapple that contains samaras of 5-8mm in diameter.
What are their cares?
If you want to have a copy, we recommend you take care of it as follows:
Location
It is important that the Casuarina equisetifolia beene outside, in full sun. You should know that, apart from planting it about 5-6 meters from pipes, paved floors, etc. It also has to be a bit far - at least 1 or 2 meters - from tall plants since it does not allow anything to grow under or around it as it is allelopathic.
Earth
- Flower pot: universal growing medium (you can get it here). But it is not a plant that can be potted for too many years.
- Garden: it is indifferent as long as it has good drainage.
Irrigation
The frequency of irrigation will vary depending on the area and the climate. And if it is in a pot, it is advisable to water it 2-3 times a week during the summer and every 6-7 days the rest of the year, but if it is in the ground it will be enough to water it twice a week during the first year and then every 2-10 days the rest of the year.
Subscriber
Guano powder.
From early spring to late summer it is recommended to pay it once a month with ecological fertilizers, but if it is in the garden it is not very necessary. It is important that you use liquid fertilizers while it is in a pot so that the substrate does not lose its drainage capacity.
Multiplication
It multiplies by seeds in spring. The way to proceed is as follows:
- The first thing to do is fill a 10,5cm diameter pot with universal growing medium (you can get it here).
- Afterwards, it is watered conscientiously and a maximum of two seeds are placed on the surface.
- Then, they are covered with a thin layer of substrate, simply so that they are not exposed directly to the sun.
- Next, sprinkle with copper or sulfur to prevent the appearance of fungus.
- Finally, it is watered again, this time with a sprayer, and the pot is placed outside, in partial shade.
Thus, will germinate in 1-2 months.
Pruning
It is not a tree that needs pruning, since it itself tends to develop more or less erect branches, so it will not bother if it is placed at a distance of about 5-6 meters from walls or walls.
Plagues and diseases
Does not have 🙂. Now, if it is watered excessively, its roots will rot. To avoid this, the risks must be controlled.
Rusticity
Resists well cold and frost down to -9ºC. In addition, it withstands the saline wind and excessive heat (40ºC) as long as it has water available.
What uses does it have?
Ornamental
La Casuarina equisetifolia It is a very decorative tree, which used both as an isolated specimen and in groups. It is also perfect for creating screens or tall hedges that will guarantee privacy in the garden.
Reforestation
For its resistance and adaptability, it is one of the preferred plants to reforest lands that have been left without life as a result of the hand of man. Although personally I think that for those cases the ideal would be to plant native plants and leave the Casuarina equisetifolia for those gardens or orchards of individuals who have suffered from the excessive use of chemical-toxic products.
Wood
Timber used to build fences and produce charcoal.
Medicinal
The bark of its trunk has a high tannin content, so it is used to combat diarrhea.
Curiosities
This is a very interesting plant, not only because of everything you have read, but also because of its resistance. But, Don't you know why it is so adaptable? Well, the answer is in the mycorrhizae, which adhere to its roots and helps it fix nitrogen, a fundamental nutrient for plant growth.
So if you are looking for a very decorative and easy-to-care tree, and you have a large garden, put a Casuarina equisetifolia in your life. Surely you will not regret having it 😉.
I hope you liked this article.