Scientific name: Casuarina glauca
Casuarina trees are able to cope with high levels of salinity and occasional tidal inundation. Consequently stands of Casuarina are often found at the margins of saltmarsh, clay pans and especially patches of marine couch (Sporobolus virginicus). These trees act as a buffer between terrestrial habitats such as Eucalypt and the tidal saltmarsh areas associated with Hays Inlet. Casuarina produces high levels of litter which is transported into the adjacent wetlands during king tides thus providing food and energy to the inhabitants of the saltmarsh and mangrove habitats. Due to widespread coastal development the conservation status of this habitat is listed “as of concern”.
These predominantly coastal trees are distributed along the Eastern coast of Australia from Southern New South Wales to Gladstone in Queensland. They can grow to 20 meters tall and are fast growing and good at fixing nitrogen as well as remediating saline soils and preventing erosion. Their leaves are reduced, fine and feather-like and the name Casuarina is derived from their similarity to cassowary feathers. These leaves are an excellent adaptation to the harsh conditions in and around saltmarsh areas as they restrict water loss.
Casuarina trees are able to cope with high levels of salinity and occasional tidal inundation. Consequently stands of Casuarina are often found at the margins of saltmarsh, clay pans and especially patches of marine couch (Sporobolus virginicus). These trees act as a buffer between terrestrial habitats such as Eucalypt and the tidal saltmarsh areas associated with Hays Inlet. Casuarina produces high levels of litter which is transported into the adjacent wetlands during king tides thus providing food and energy to the inhabitants of the saltmarsh and mangrove habitats. Due to widespread coastal development the conservation status of this habitat is listed “as of concern”.
These predominantly coastal trees are distributed along the Eastern coast of Australia from Southern New South Wales to Gladstone in Queensland. They can grow to 20 meters tall and are fast growing and good at fixing nitrogen as well as remediating saline soils and preventing erosion. Their leaves are reduced, fine and feather-like and the name Casuarina is derived from their similarity to cassowary feathers. These leaves are an excellent adaptation to the harsh conditions in and around saltmarsh areas as they restrict water loss.
The canopy provides habitat for birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects. When these trees flower and produce seeds they provide forage for birds including lorikeets and cockatoos, flying foxes. They also provide habitat for abundant insect life which attracts smaller perching birds including finches and the Golden Whistler. The parasitic plant Mistletoe is also a common passenger on Casuarina. The understorey is often dominated by marine couch which provides food for the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, the Swamp Wallaby and many species of invertebrates. Casuarina provides a rich habitat for wildlife in the difficult conditions associated with the adjacent saltmarsh and wetland habitats associated with Hays Inlet.
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