This tree is upright with spreading branches that form an open crown with pendant needle-like branchlets. It has tiny scale-like leaves and the male flowers appear in a spike. The female flowers are arranged in a globular head and followed by cones.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Casuarina equisetifoliais naturally found from northern Australia to Papua New Guinea; Polynesia; Melanesia; Micronesia; Philippines; Borneo; Indonesia and Malaysia growing along the coast on dunes or in beach fronts.

It grows in well drained moderately fertile sandy soils in an exposed sunny position and tolerates salt laden winds and drought but is frost tender.

The Horse-tail Oak is grown for its graceful habit and is planted in parks and gardens along the coast as a specimen or in group plantings. It is also used for dune binding or as a wind brake in coastal settings and establishes in 3 to 5 years.

The timber is used as fulewood or for making aboriginal spears or woomeraand the roots have nodules for fixing nitrogen in the soil, adding fertility.ID 3147

Casuarina(kazh-yoo-ar-EYE-nuh) equisetifolia(EE-kwee-SET-ee-FOH-lee-ah)

Casuarinaceae(KAS-ew-rin-AY-see-ee)