Casuarina equisetifolia L., Amoen. Acad. 4 (1759)
Latin for 'leaves like Equisetum (horsetail)'.

Description
Mid-canopy trees up to 40 m tall and 100 cm dbh. Twigs needle-shaped with scale-like leaves, very similar to horsetails in appearance. Inflorescences catkin-like, female ones developing into cones up to 2.5 cm long, with winged seeds.

Ecology
Mainly found on beaches or near the coast on sandy soils up to 20 m altitude. Currently often planted more inland as well.

Uses
The timber is used for house construction but is also an important charcoal source. A decoction of the twigs is used as a lotion to soothe swellings. The powdered bark is used to treat pimples. Often planted for its wood, as erosion control tree, or as wind break.

Distribution
India to the Pacific and Australia. In Borneo found throughout the island near the coast.

Local names in Borneo
Aru, Kayu rhu, Rhu laut.