Beach Sheoak
Casuarina equisetifolia
- Native to:
- Australia, Bangladesh, Borneo, Cambodia, Caroline Is., Fiji, India, Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Marianas, Marshall Is., Myanmar, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Is., South China Sea, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam
Roger Culos
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Casuarinaceae
- Genus:
- Casuarina
- Species:
- Casuarina equisetifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- CAEQ
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 3000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Synanthedon geliformis
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from the root crown following fire or cutting. Invasive in fire-prone coastal systems in Florida.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 8.0 (acidic to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Thrives in coastal environments with high salinity.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment when fresh. Light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI