Bonsai - Australian Maritime Pine

Seeds: 200  / Botanical name: Casuarina equisetifolia

A deciduous tree disguised as a conifer / cold-climate bonsai

The delicately growing, evergreen Australian maritime pine is classified as a broadleaf tree, although its leaves have evolved into tiny, pointed scales, making its foliage suggest a conifer. Due to its small leaf surface area, this slender tree has perfected its ability to reduce water loss through evaporation, thus adapting to dry locations and sandy soils. In contrast to the inconspicuous male flowers, the attractive red female flowers appear in dense, drooping clusters during April and May. The exceptionally hard wood of the maritime pine is used in Australia for the production of railway sleepers.

Natural habitat: The maritime pine originates from Australia but is now widespread on beaches throughout the tropics.