Agathis australis (Kauri)

Michael's Opinion

The Kauri is a very primitive type of pine that were prolific before the dinosaurs and the super continent Gondawana broke up. Specimens persevered under water in swamps in North New Zealand date from 30,000-50,000 years.

Botanical Information

FamilyAraucariaceae
GenusAgathis
Speciesaustralis
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginNative to the North Island of New Zealand to 38° south.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-7 - (-1)
Temperature (°F)20 - 30
Height40 - 50 m
Spread6 m
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

PropagationCultivate via seed, or cuttings from leading or erect epicormic shoots.
Notable SpecimensThe largest of the genus named Tane Mahuta is found growing in the Waipoua Forest on the northern tip of the North Island of New Zealand. Tane Mahuta has a circumference of 13.71 m, a height of 51.51 m, and a volume of 2631.9 cubic metres. Tane Mahuta is estimated to be over 2100 years old, and begins branching some 17.98 m from the ground.
HabitatMarginally temperate compared to other species of Agathis, surviving on the lowlands at the north end of the North Island, New Zealand.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBark is grey suffused purple with whorled branches.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are dimorphic, being 10 x 1 cm and glaucous green on young trees and 6 x 1.5 cm with an obtuse apex on mature trees.
Fruit DescriptionMale cones are cylindric, to 6 x 1 cm, while female cones are subglobose, to 6 x 8 cm and woody. Seeds are beige with wings to 1.5 cm wide.

Photographs