VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Casuarina spp. | Australian Pine 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
Australian pine wood has many uses, including fuelwood, poles, posts,
beams, oxcart tongues, shingles, paneling, fence rails, furniture,
marine pilings, tool handles, and cabinets [3,12].  The wood, however,
is subject to cracking and splitting [14].


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Australian pine poses a serious threat to some wildlife species.  Nest
sites of three endangered species, the American crocodile (Crocodylus
acutus), the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta ssp. caretta), and the
gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), are all threatened by Australian
pine invasion [9,10].  Also, this invader creates sterile foraging and
breeding environments for small mammals [3,14].  It does, however,
provide food for migrating goldfinches which feed on Australian pine
seeds [3].


PALATABILITY : 
NO-ENTRY


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Tannins in the leaves of Australian pine are carcinogenic and could be
fatal to foraging cattle, which sometimes eat the leaves [3].


COVER VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Australian pine was once used in the United States for reclaiming eroded
areas, but many land managers condemn its use because it threatens
indigenous plants and animals [12].  Some African and Asian countries
use it to combat desertification [17].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Australian pine has various medicinal uses and is also used for dyes, as
an ornamental, and in windbreaks [12].  C. cunninghamiana (the most
cold-hardy) can be planted in citrus groves to protect fruit trees from
cold [14].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Australian pine is extremely fast growing, crowding out many native
plants and creating sterile environments for both plants and animals
[10].  It forms dense roots, which deplete soil moisture and break water
and sewer lines.  It is also susceptible to windthrow during hurricanes
[3].  Cutting often induces sprouting, so it is not an effective control
method.  Chemicals, such as 2,4,5-T, 2,4-D, or Garlon 3A, can be used to
eradicate Australian pine [10,14].

Related categories for Species: Casuarina spp. | Australian Pine