I am a fast-growing evergreen tree used for windbreaks, erosion control, and timber.

Native to Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands; widely cultivated in India.

Moderately drought-tolerant; water weekly when young.

Requires full sun.

Thrives in 20–35°C; tolerates coastal salinity.

Plant in sandy-loam soil; spacing 2–3 meters apart for windbreaks.

Minimal; responds to compost and nitrogen-fixing root nodules.

Botanical name: Casuarina equisetifolia; Family: Casuarinaceae.

Non-toxic; not used as fodder.

Moderate; dense foliage reduces dust and wind speed.

Provides timber, fuelwood, erosion control, and coastal protection.

Susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soils; pests include termites and caterpillars.

Can live 40–50 years; reaches harvestable timber size in 7–10 years.