Kauri Pine

Common Name: Kauri Pine

Scientific Name: Agathis robusta 

Derivation of name

Agathis – Greek for a ball of thread referring to the cones

robusta –  from the Latin 'robustus' meaning hard or robust referring to the large size attained

Description

• Endemic to Queensland, widespread in north-east Queensland with another occurrence in the south-eastern corner of Queensland but absent from coastal central Queensland

• Tree which grows from 25 to 50 m with a trunk diameter of 100 – 150 cm within drier rainforests in Queensland

• Cone is a green globe with a 9-15 cm diameter with 340-440 scales (female) and 500 scales (male)

Human uses

The timber was exploited heavily from 1920-1980 for boats, furniture, cabinetry, veneer, musical instruments and flooring.

Acknowledgment: Mountains to Mangroves

Photo: Wendy Cutler