Kauri Pine
Origin of name
Family: ARAUCACEAE
- Agathis meaning “ball of thread“
- robusta meaning “robust“
Occurrence
Not a local plant. Occurs in drier rainforest from Ingham to Cooktown, on K’gari, and Tewantin-Maryborough.
Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or part-shade. Tolerates light salt spray and some dryness.
Appearance
Tall, stately tree (25-40m) with straight, smooth trunk and oval, stiff leaves, glossy above. Male (cylindrical, 5-10x 0.9 cm) & female (globose, 8-13cm) cones are on the same tree and release pollen and winged seeds respectively.
Indigenous use: Inner bark– used to make nets. Suits VERY large gardens or avenue plantings. Seed cones attract birds. Good indoor container plant when small. A valued cabinet timber – heavily logged in the past.
