Casuarina equisetifolia L.
Vernacular name: Whistling pine, Australian beefwood (Hindi: जंगल बदाम / सरू)
Species Name: Casuarina equisetifolia L.
Family: Casuarinaceae
Habit: Evergreen tree
Stem: Straight trunk 10-35 m, drooping branchlets, longitudinally fissured grey bark.
Leaf: Reduced to minute scales in whorls; green photosynthetic branchlets equisetum-like 10-30 cm×0.5 mm.
Flowering: Year-round (peaks winter)
Flowers: Bracteate axillary spikes (male) or heads (female); no petals (reduced), 1 stamen per male flower (anthers sessile), superior ovary (female, 2-angled nutlet).
Fruit: Infructescence woody cone-like 7-10×1-1.5 cm, winged samara-like nutlets.
Uses:
- Bark decoction treats diarrhea, dysentery, and sores traditionally.
- Ayurvedic medicines uses all part of plants in treatment of various respiratory issues.
- Twigs are used for oral health and reduction of plaque.
- Plant strongly exhibits antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammation properties.
- Timber provides excellent fuelwood, poles and boat manufacturer.
- It is nitrogen-fixing (symbiosis with Frankia) coastal stabilizer that helps with rehabilitation in salt rich soil and rocky areas.
- Tannin rich bark is used in dying processes, textile and tannin industry.
- Plant prevent soil erosion, and is an aboriginal firestick and cyclone
