Casuarina equisetifolia
Australian pine tree
Casuariina equisetifolia, commonly known as the Whistling Pine or She-oak, is a versatile coastal tree valued for its medicinal properties. Often used in traditional practices, its extracts exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. This resilient species plays a crucial role in coastal ecology while offering significant pharmacological potential.
- Scientific name: Casuarina equisetifolia
- Family: Casuarinaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Fagales and the family Casuarinaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement within the genus Casuariina.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fagales | WCVP |
| Family | Casuarinaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Casuarina | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Casuariina equisetiifolia, is recognized by various names across different languages and regions. In Chinese, it is referred to as 木麻黄 (zh-hans), 木麻黃 (zh-hant), and 木麻黃 (zh-hk). In French-speaking contexts, it is commonly called Filao (Casuariina equisetifolia), while in Russian, it is known as Казуарина хвощевидная.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 木麻黄 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 木麻黃 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 木麻黃 | Wikidata |
| fr | Filao ( Casuarina equisetifolia) | Wikidata |
| ru | Казуарина хвощевидная | Wikidata |
| th | สนทะเล | Wikidata |
| ca | Casuarina | Wikidata |
| hu | zsurlólevelű kazuárfa | Wikidata |
| ms | Ru | Wikidata |
| uk | Казуарина хвощеподібна | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of Spain. Its presence extends into Southeastern Europe, specifically documented in Italy. The species also inhabits Northern Africa, particularly in the nation of Morocco. Finally, its range includes the Macaronesian Canary Islands and parts of West Tropical Africa, such as Gambia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Somalia | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
Activities
Casuarina equisetifolia has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Bacteriostatic, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bacteriostatic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Casuarina equisetifolia has 10 reported medicinal uses identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cough, diarrhea, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, asthma.
- Total uses
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cough | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bacillus subtilis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cold | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fevers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nausea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sore throat | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ulcers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |