Home PagePicture ArchivesFlora of QatarCasuarinaceaeCasuarina equisetifolia

Casuarina equisetifolia L.

Common names

Australian pine, hemd, she-oak

My notes

May be C. cunninghamiana.

Extract from Wikipedia article

Casuarina equisetifolia is a she-oak species of the genus Casuarina. The native range extends from Burma and Vietnam throughout Malesia east to French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu, and south to Australia (north of Northern Territory, north and east Queensland, and north-eastern New South Wales). Populations are also found in Madagascar, but it is doubtful if this is within the native range of the species. The species has been introduced to the Southern United States and West Africa. It is an invasive species in Florida and South Africa.

AI-generated Description

Casuarina equisetifolia, also known as the Australian pine or beach sheoak, is a deciduous tree native to Australia and Southeast Asia. In Qatar, it has been introduced as an ornamental species and is commonly found along coastal areas and in landscaping projects. Studies have shown that C. equisetifolia has adapted well to Qatar's arid climate, tolerating high temperatures, salinity, and drought. However, its invasive potential and impact on native ecosystems are concerns, as it can outcompete indigenous vegetation and alter local habitats. Despite this, the tree is valued for its ability to stabilize sand dunes and provide shade in urban areas, making it a popular choice for afforestation efforts in Qatar.

Twig of Australian pine (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) found in area of Al Istiqlal Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, September 12, 2014
LinkTwig of Australian pine (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) found in area of Al Istiqlal Street in West Bay. Doha, Qatar, September 12, 2014
Australian pine (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) on roadside between Al Khor and Ras Luffan. Qatar, February 6, 2015
LinkAustralian pine (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) on roadside between Al Khor and Ras Luffan. Qatar, February 6, 2015
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Twig of Australian pine (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) taken from a roadside between Al Khor and Ras Luffan. Qatar, February 6, 2015
LinkTwig of Australian pine (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) taken from a roadside between Al Khor and Ras Luffan. Qatar, February 6, 2015
Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) in Al Shamal City Park. Ruwais, Northern Qatar, April 3, 2015
LinkAustralian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) in Al Shamal City Park. Ruwais, Northern Qatar, April 3, 2015
Location on mapsAl Shamal Road, Al Ruwais, Qatar
Australian pine (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) taken from a street in Mesaieed. Qatar, July 10, 2015
LinkAustralian pine (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) taken from a street in Mesaieed. Qatar, July 10, 2015
Trunk and fine greyish green needle-like foliage of Australian pine (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) in Al Shamal City Park. Ruwais, Northern Qatar, January 16, 2016
LinkTrunk and fine greyish green needle-like foliage of Australian pine (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) in Al Shamal City Park. Ruwais, Northern Qatar, January 16, 2016
Location on mapsAl Shamal Rd, Al Ruwais, Qatar
Needle-like foliage of Australian pine tree (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) planted along a fence in Al Shamal City Park. Ruwais, Northern Qatar, January 16, 2016
LinkNeedle-like foliage of Australian pine tree (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) planted along a fence in Al Shamal City Park. Ruwais, Northern Qatar, January 16, 2016
Location on mapsAl Shamal Rd, Al Ruwais, Qatar
Cones of Australian pine (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) on the ground near a road to Zubara, near a fence of Darwish Farm. Northern Qatar, February 6, 2016
LinkCones of Australian pine (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) on the ground near a road to Zubara, near a fence of Darwish Farm. Northern Qatar, February 6, 2016
Location on mapsUnnamed Road, Qatar
Close up of cones of Australian pine (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) taken from the ground near a road to Zubara, near a fence of Darwish Farm. Northern Qatar, February 6, 2016
LinkClose up of cones of Australian pine (she-oak, Casuarina equisetifolia) taken from the ground near a road to Zubara, near a fence of Darwish Farm. Northern Qatar, February 6, 2016

AI-generated summary of observations

The plant Casuarina equisetifolia was observed in various locations across Qatar, including Doha, Al Khor, Ras Luffan, Ruwais, and Mesaieed. It was found growing on roadsides, in city parks, and along fences. The observations noted the presence of twigs, trunks, and fine greyish green needle-like foliage. Cones of the plant were also observed on the ground near a road to Zubara. The plant was seen in different seasons, including September, February, April, July, and January, indicating its ability to thrive in Qatar's climate. The observations suggest that Casuarina equisetifolia is widely distributed in Qatar and can be found in various environments, from urban areas to rural landscapes. The plant's adaptability and hardiness are evident from its presence in different parts of the country.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.