Kahuroa, Wikimedia Commons Contributor
Family
Araucariaceae
Botanical Name
AGATHIS robusta
Plant Common Name
Queensland Kauri
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Among the largest and oldest trees in the world, Queensland kauri's lance-shaped leaves, colrful flaking bark and massive trunk and canopy make it among the most magnificent trees for frost-free landscapes. A cone-bearing evergreen tree that is slow-growing, it is native to the drier rainforests of eastern Queensland in northeastern Australia. The whorling, horizontal branches become much more upward and spreading with age. Its tan, orange and light gray bark is speckled, shedding in large flakes.
The green young foliage can have reddish tints when first emerging. They are thin, leathery and lance-shaped, becoming dark green at maturity, held in opposite pairs. In spring, male and female cones appear in the same tree (although young trees tend to be one-gendered at first). Pollen is shed from the cylindrical male cones whilw the more rounded female cones are pollinated by the wind and become scaly, red-brown cones that shed winged seeds.
Grow Queensland kauri in full sun to bright dappled shade protected from chilly winds in any moist but well-draining soil that is deep and fertile. Soil should be drier in the winter. It will become a terrific lawn or campus specimen tree in regions free from frosts and are seasonally dry. In its native land this species is considered an endangered species because of historical timber exploitation.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 9
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 12
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 24
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
95'-130' / 29.0m - 39.6m
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Width
30'-45' / 9.1m - 13.7m
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Native To
Australia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Fruit Color
Brown, Sienna
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Orange, Tan, Sandy Brown, Ivory
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Bark Color Modifier
Multi-Color, Spotted/Mottled
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
Yes
