What is Casuarina?

As soon as the only family in the Casuarinaceae family, since 2010, some species that have previously been part of casuarina have now been distributed to the other three families. 17 species that now make up this genus range from large evergreen shrubs, which measure 10 feet (3 m) to trees that can grow up to 115 feet (35 m) high. The name of this genus, casuarina , comes from the Malaysian word kasuari , referring to Cassowars because of the similarities between the leaves of these plants with the feathers of the bird. To indicate these species are used common names, which-Dub, iron wood and beef wood are used. These plants from Asia, Australia and the Pacific are now also in America and Africa. During the winter they bloom with discrete reddish flowers. Their fruit is hard, woody and cylindrical, which attract birds such as parrots and kakatoos who eat the heads of seeds, as well as moths and beetles that throw on the fruit. Some species produce the edible resin that natives use asSource of food.

Plants

casuarina have a large width in their attic requirements. They can grow not only in dry and salty soils on the coast, but also on rocky or volcanic soils in the mountains. Although they prefer well -drained soils, they can also survive in damp or calcium soils. These plants have minimal water needs and can withstand dry periods.

One of the remarkable characteristics of plants casuarina is their negative allelelophatic properties, as evidenced by the typical absence of undervaluation around them. It was observed that once they control the space, their heavy root mat and the fallen litter at their base inhibit other plants in growth. The type of c. Equisetifolia , referred to as Australian pine in Florida, was declared invasive and is included in the federal and state harmful weeds in the US. Authorities believe thatE is a threat to many endangered plant species in Everglades National Park.

On the other hand, this characteristic is appreciated in its native Australia, where it is called a tree of a indigenous woman. Since virtually no other plants can grow below them, it is known that indigenous children are found under these trees because it is assumed that they are not in danger of "Bush's devil" or snakes because they avoid the fallen litter of branches and leaves. The commercial use of plants casuarina is the use in landscaping such as hedges and soil stabilization near drainage and coast. Since it can survive in wind areas, they are widely planted as windbreakers. Wood is also harvested for fencing, shingles and firewood.