Kauri

Botanical name: Agathis australis

Common name(s): Kauri, New Zealand kauri, Southern kauri

Plant facts:

Kauri is one of New Zealand’s most iconic forest trees and the largest native tree by timber volume. Mature trees develop massive, straight trunks with few lower branches and broad crowns rising above the forest canopy. Kauri is a long-lived species and can form its own distinctive forest type, supporting unique plant communities beneath it.

Natural habitat:

Naturally found in kauri forest, mixed northern forest, river terraces, coastal plains, ridge systems and lowland hill country. Kauri forests are especially associated with northern New Zealand.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shelter, Free draining & Low fertility soil tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Endemic to New Zealand’s North Island, naturally occurring from Te Paki south to near Kawhia in the west and near Te Puke in the east.

Height:

Typically 30–60 m tall

Flowering / cones:

Female cones are usually produced from September – December.
Male cones may occur throughout the year, but are most common from September – January.

Fruiting / seed:

Mature cones are usually present from December – May, occasionally persisting later. Seeds are winged and dispersed by wind.

Uses:

• Iconic forest canopy tree
• Large-scale restoration planting
• Long-term carbon storage
• Cultural and historical significance
• Wildlife and forest habitat
• Specimen tree for very large gardens and parks

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A massive evergreen conifer with a tall straight trunk and high spreading crown. Young trees are narrow and columnar, while mature trees shed their lower branches to form the clean trunk typical of old kauri.

Bark:
Bark is blue-grey to grey and flakes away in large thick plates. Freshly exposed bark beneath is often rusty brown.

Leaves:
Leaves are thick, leathery and narrow. Juvenile leaves are longer and may be pinkish-green or spotted, while adult leaves are shorter, darker and more oval-oblong.

Cones:
Male cones are cylindrical. Female cones are rounded and break apart when mature, releasing winged seeds.

How to grow:

Best grown from fresh seed. Kauri prefers warm, sheltered conditions with good drainage and steady moisture while young. It is slow to establish but becomes a powerful long-lived tree in suitable conditions. Avoid disturbing roots and protect young plants from frost, drought and grazing.

Important note:
Kauri dieback disease is a major threat. Always clean footwear, tools and equipment before entering or working near kauri areas, and avoid disturbing soil around kauri roots.