Australian Pines are invasive plants that are originally from Australia and were brought to the Bahamas to help protect homes against storms. Because the Australian Pine has shallow roots and will blow over in winds in excess of 60 mph, they proved ineffective against storms. However, they are effective at seed dispersal. The Australian Pines seed can remain dormant for up to a year allowing it to travel great distances by bird and ocean. This has allowed the Australian Pine to populate all the islands we've visited.
Their leaves are rolled up tightly giving them the appearance of pine needles, but this tree is not a pine tree it is a deciduous tree like an oak or maple tree. Their pine needles both create canopy cover that blocks light from passing and fall to the ground smothering surrounding plants which prevents native, deep rooted species from growing. The Australian Pine has become a serious problem for Bimini and the rest of the Bahamas due to the fact that it's eliminating all of the native vegetation.
Here are some ways to get rid of this invasive species. Mass burnings of the pines would eliminate this invasive species because native plant seeds are fire resistant while the Australian Pines seeds are not. Also the process of girdling, a deep cut that goes along the diameter of the tree, will kill individual trees targeting specifically the Australian Pine. Do you have any other suggestions on how to eliminate this invasive species?
Their leaves are rolled up tightly giving them the appearance of pine needles, but this tree is not a pine tree it is a deciduous tree like an oak or maple tree. Their pine needles both create canopy cover that blocks light from passing and fall to the ground smothering surrounding plants which prevents native, deep rooted species from growing. The Australian Pine has become a serious problem for Bimini and the rest of the Bahamas due to the fact that it's eliminating all of the native vegetation.
Here are some ways to get rid of this invasive species. Mass burnings of the pines would eliminate this invasive species because native plant seeds are fire resistant while the Australian Pines seeds are not. Also the process of girdling, a deep cut that goes along the diameter of the tree, will kill individual trees targeting specifically the Australian Pine. Do you have any other suggestions on how to eliminate this invasive species?
Biological control mechanisms can be used to remove invasive species. This involves the release of a natural predators of the organism to control it.
Do you think this would be a good idea for attempting to reduce or remove the Casuarina?
That's a really good idea, Sqrlfishlady. Introducing an organism that reduces or removes the amount of Australian Pine could, in theory, prove to be effective.
The only issue with that is that you would have to introduce more animal species to take care of whatever organism you brought to control the Casuarina. For instance, lets say a beetle was used to take care of the Australian Pine. Now there are two invasive species. Then you will need to add a bird to kill the beetle, and a cat for the bird, et cetera.
Biological control could work, but we have to be careful of what should be introduced into the environment.