Conifer Database - robusta

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Established in 1983, our mission is centered on advocating for the integration of conifer trees in garden designs and landscapes. We are dedicated to educating enthusiasts and the general public about the proper care, cultivation, and conservation of these majestic and diverse evergreens.

    

Agathis robusta

Agathis robusta
Copyright CSIRO

Agathis robusta, first described by (C. Moore ex F. Muell.) Bailey in 1883 is commonly known as Queensland Kauri or Smooth-barked Kauri.


Description. Queensland kauri is a monoecious, evergreen coniferous species of tree which will grow to a mature height of 100 to 165 feet (30 - 50 m) tall, with smooth, scaly bark. Its leaves are 2 to 4.8 inches (5 - 12 cm) long and 1.2 to 2 inches (2 - 5 cm) broad. They are tough and leathery in texture, with no midrib. They are arranged in opposite pairs (rarely whorls of three) along the stem. The pollen cones are cylindrical, 2 to 4 inches (5 - 10 cm) long and 0.4 to 0.6 inch (1 - 1.5 cm) thick. The seed cones are globose, 3.2 to 5.2 inches (8 - 13 cm) in diameter, maturing 18 to 20 months after pollination. Once mature the cones disintegrate, releasing seeds.

Agathis robusta
natural range of Agathis robusta

Distribution. This species is native to Australia - eastern Queensland. Its southern population can be found on Fraser Island and around Maryborough, and a northern population on the Atherton tableland west of Cairns. The northern population was formerly distinguished as Agathis palmerstonii, but according to studies done by Whitmore (1980), it does not differ from the southern population and is no longer considered distinct. Trees in Papua New Guinea previously referred to A. robusta are now treated as a distinct species Agathis spathulata (de Laubenfels 1988). Also found in Western Australia.

The Queensland Kauri was heavily logged in the past, and spectacular trees of prodigious size are much rarer than in pre-European times; despite this, the species as a whole is not endangered.




Agathis robusta

Agathis robusta

Agathis robusta

Agathis robusta

Agathis robusta



HORTICULTURAL STATUS:RHS Registered
COLOR:Medium Green
GROWTH SHAPE:Broad Upright or Oval
GROWTH SIZE:Large: greater than 12 inches (30 cm) per year / greater than 12 feet (4 m) after 10 years
ORIGIN:(unknown)


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