prevent planting of this genus because of the heavy root system and
numerous suckers of some species. The three most widely planted
species in Florida are Cunningham beefwood, horsetail beefwood and
scalybark beefwood; all are called Australian-pine.

 Trees of this genus are leafless, except for very minute scales at
nodes of branchlets, and resemble pines since the numerous, wiry,
pendulous branchlets resemble needle-like leaves. Factors limiting
growth of Austalian-pine are low temperatures and mushroom root-
rot, a disease that attacks and kills root systems. In some localized
areas many trees have been killed by mushroom root-rot. Control
methods other than planting in sterilized soil are not available.

 The hardiest species is Cunningham beefwood, Casuarina cun-
ninghamiana, which has survived temperatures as low as 16'F for
short periods of time. This tree has a symmetrical, pyramid-like
crown and attains a height of 50 feet. Root suckers are not a serious
problem although some suckers do occur on this species. Recommend-
ed landscape uses include windbreaks, trimmed hedges, roadside trees
and as a soil binder or erosion preventative tree. Although recom-
mended for ditch banks, this must be restricted to fresh water areas
since this species will not withstand salt spray.

 Horsetail beefwood, Casuarina equisetifolia, was the first Aus-
tralian-pine to be used extensively in southern Florida. This species
cannot withstand temperatures much below freezing, but grows
rapidly where temperature is not a factor. Horsetail beefwood com-
monly attains a height of 75 to 100 feet and is less desirable for
ornamental use than other species since branches are at nearly 45'
angles to the trunk and widely spaced, resulting in an open, straggly
crown (Fig. 17). Foliage is also much less dense than on other spe-
cies. This tree will withstand brackish soil and salt spray without
apparent injury and is planted extensively on the seacoast. Trees
do not sucker, but numerous seedlings sprout and grow in the vicinity
of parent trees. Horsetail beefwood is recommended for seacoast
planting, as clipped hedges, trimmed specimens, windbreaks and as
soilbinders.

 The most attractive Australian-pine, scalybark beefwood, Casua-
rina lepidophloia attains a height of 70 feet (Fig. 18). Trees are
upright with a dense crown of dark green; however, the species suck-
ers so badly it is an undesirable pest. Foliage of this tree is very
dense; for this reason scalybark beefwood is more widely used as a
windbreak than other species. Scalybark beefwood will withstand
wet soils, but will not tolerate brackish or salty water or salt spray.
This tree is not recommended for landscape use, except in areas where
root suckers would not be a problem.

 Because of the desirable characteristics of the top of scalybark
beefwood, and the non-sprouting or suckering characteristics of horse-
tail beefwood, the two species are often grafted to secure plants with