Casuarina species in Algeria: reviewing their identity, distribution and symbiotic status

Since their introduction at the beginning of 19th century, Casuarina species have become important components Algerian landscape, yet numbers present in Algeria and identity, distribution, symbiotic status are still not well understood. A survey conducted on 2,304 trees 96 stands across indicates that they represented exclusively by five species: cristata Miq., C. cunninghamiana equisetifolia L., glauca Sieber ex Spreng. junghuhniana Miq. Two species, glauca, were most common – former occurring more often relatively humid temperate areas country while latter is frequent drier warmer areas. Production seedlings 12 nurseries resulted low rates spontaneous mycorrhizal infection frequency nodulation, suggesting inoculation with selected fungi and/or Frankia strains nursery would be necessary to improve establishment field. This study first geographical distribution should lead efficient utilization this widely used tree genus Algeria.