Agathis spathulata (New Guinea kauri) is a species of Agathis native to the highlands of eastern Papua New Guinea, occurring at altitudes of 3,000 to 6,000 feet (900 - 1980 m) above sea level. Although long known, it has only relatively recently (1980) been distinguished from A. robusta, being described first as a subspecies of it, Agathis robusta subsp. nesophila Whitm., and subsequently separated as a distinct species A. spathulata in 1988. It is threatened by habitat loss.
It is a large evergreen tree growing up to 60 m tall. The leaves are in decussate opposite pairs, and measure 0.28 to 0.4 inch (7 - 10 cm) long and 0.72 to 1.2 inches (18 - 30 mm) broad on mature trees, up to 5.2 inches (13 cm) long and 1.8 inches (45 mm) broad on young trees. The seed cones are oval, measuring 3.4 to 4 inches (8.5 - 10 cm) long and 2.6 to 6 inches (6.5 - 7.5 cm) in diameter, and disintegrate at maturity to release the winged seeds.
