Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants - Online edition
Casuarina equisetifolia L.
![](../../images/entities/casuarina_equisetifolia/1792049.jpg)
![](../../images/entities/casuarina_equisetifolia/x90472.jpg)
![](../../images/entities/casuarina_equisetifolia/s00424.jpg)
Linnaeus, C. von (1759) Amoenitates Academicae : 143. Type: Rumphius, Herbarium Amboinensis #: t. 57 (1743).
Horsetail Sheoak; Beach Sheoak; Beach Casuarina; Casuarina; Coast Sheoak; Sheoak; Sheoak, Beach; Coastal Sheoak
Oak grain not conspicuous in the wood.
Apparent leaves are actually twigs and the true leaves (in whorls of 4-8) are just visible to the naked eye when the needles are broken at a joint. Oak grain in the twigs.
Cones about 10-20 x 10-15 mm. Samaras pale brown, about 6-8 mm long. Bracteoles thin.
Cotyledons without visible venation. At the tenth leaf stage: leaves very small, in whorls of six, venation not visible. Seed germination time 8 to 15 days.
This plant was used in colonial medicine, astringent bark recommended for diarrhoea and dysentery. The leaves, bark and stem are regarded as a contraceptive. Cribb (1981).
![](assets/fs_images/logo_print_footer.png)