Name:
Kauri Pine
Botanical name:
agathis robusta
Description:
The Kauri Pine or the Queensland Kauri, is a coniferous tree native to eastern Queensland, Australia, occurring in two localities, a southern population on Fraser Island and around Maryborough, and a northern population on the Atherton Tableland west of Cairns. It has an attractive looking bark and outstanding new growth which turns from light green to bronze. The new growth is often confused as flowers.
The tree grows straight and tall to 30 - 43 metres with smooth bark. The leaves are 5-12 cm long and 2-5 cm broad, tough and leathery in texture, with no mid-rib; they are arranged in opposite pairs (rarely whorls of three) on the stem.
The seed cones are globose, 8 -13 cm diameter, and mature in 18 - 20 months after pollination; they disintegrate at maturity to release the seeds. The male (pollen) cones are cylindrical, 5-10 cm long and 1-1.5 cm thick. The species was heavily logged in the past, and spectacular large trees are now much less common than in pre-European times; despite this, the species as a whole is not endangered.
Where can the Kauri Pine be seen in the Parklands?
Agathis were introduced to the Parklands in 1950’s and the older specimens can be seen along Banksia Way, Centennial Park. Newer plantings can be found along Parkes Drive also known as the Avenue of Nations and on the corner of Anzac Parade and Dacey Avenue at the Moore Park Golf Course.