Casuarinaceae

Casuarinaceae
The equisetoid twigs of the Common Ironwood, Casuarina equisetifolia (enlarge).
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class Magnoliopsida Order Fagales Family Casuarinaceae
Genera
Allocasuarina Casuarina Gymnostoma

The Family Casuarinaceae is a grouping of dicotyledonous flowering plants placed in the Order Fagales with 3 or 4 genera and approximately 70 species of trees and shrubs native to the Old World tropics (Indo-Malaysia), Australia, and the Pacific islands. At one time, all of the species were placed in the Genus Casuarina, but these are now split among Allocasuarina, Casuarina, and Gymnostoma. Members of this family are characterized by drooping equisetoid (meaning to look like Equisetum) twigs, are evergreen, and monoecious or dioecious. The roots have nitrogen-fixing nodules.

Casuarina equisetifolia L. is a widespread seashore tree known as Common Ironwood, Beefwood, Bull Oak, and Whistling Pine and is often planted as a windbreak. The wood of this tree is used for shingles, fencing, and is said to make excellent, hot burning, firewood.

Fagales

Referenced By