Botanical name:

Agathis australis

Common name(s):

Kauri

About:

One of the most well-known native trees of New Zealand, this large and elegant species is distinguished by its blue-grey bark, which peels away in thick, scalloped flakes. The tree's trunk can range in diameter from 3 to 7m. It features dark green, glossy leaves arranged in a feathery pattern and produces cylindrical cones from December onward.

Natural habitat:

The kauri species establishes its own distinct forest type—Kauri forest—characterised by its dense canopies comprised of kauri trees. In the northern regions of its distribution, it is commonly associated with other species such as taraire (Beilschmiedia tarairi), northern rata (Metrosideros robusta), rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum), towai (Weinmannia silvicola), and makamaka (Ackama rosifolia). Historically, Kauri forest appears to have thrived primarily on river terraces, coastal plains, and the relatively flat flood basalts found in the Tangihua complex, which forms the predominant geology of areas like Waipoua, Omahuta, Puketi, and Trounson. Some theorise that the present occurrences in hilly and ranged areas, where many stands are currently evident, represent relictual populations that are not truly favoured by the species, but rather illustrate where kauri can endure. These locations often remained untouched due to the logistical challenges of log extraction in those regions.

Growing environment:

Forest’s & full sun.

Endemic distribution:

Occurring from Te Paki south to Pukenui (near Kawhia) in the West and near Te Puke in the East. Much of its former range it has been heavily logged, such that the best stands now only occur in the Coromandel and Waitakere Ranges, on Great and little Barrier Islands, and in Northland at Waipoua, Trounson, Omahuta, Puketi, Herekino, Warawara and Radar Bush forests. Despite its northerly limit this species has been successfully grown as far south as Oban, Stewart Island, and seedlings have been observed near planted adults in Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch.

Height: 50m

Flowering:

Female cones are produced from September - December. Male cones throughout the year but most common from September to January.

Fruiting:

Mature cones occur anytime from December through to May, with rare persistent examples found on trees right up to about August

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Forests & timber

How to grow:

Easy from fresh seed. Very difficult from cuttings. Can be grafted onto seedling kauri.

** The seeds are perishable and cannot be stored. After collection & cleaning the seed should be sown immediately