Agathis australis
Agathis australis · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Araucariaceae
Tree Category
Forest Tree, Timber, Evergreen
Variety / Cultivar
Native species (No common cultivar)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 9-11; sensitive to hard frosts and strictly adapted to temperate/subtropical maritime climates.
About This Tree
A massive, long-lived conifer with a distinctively straight, cylindrical trunk and an expansive crown for emergent trees. Juvenile trees are narrow and steeple-shaped, while mature trees develop a spreading, dome-like crown with heavy branches.
Leaf Characteristics
Juvenile leaves are lanceolate (5-10 cm), bronzy-green; mature leaves are smaller (2-5 cm), thick, leathery, oval-oblong with blunt tips, arranged oppositely or in whorls with no midrib.
Bark Characteristics
Distinctive greyish-brown bark that is thick and flakes off in large, round 'plate-like' scales, which prevents epiphytes from climbing the trunk. It exudes a thick, milky white resin (Kauri gum).
Growing Information
Origin Region
New Zealand (specifically the northern districts of the North Island)
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen growth; pollination occurs late winter/early spring with a 19-20 month seed cone maturation cycle
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun for mature specimens, though saplings can tolerate partial shade. Prefers well-drained, acidic soil with consistent moisture; moderately drought tolerant once established.
Mature Size
Height: 30-50 meters; Spread: 15-30 meters; trunk diameter can reach over 5 meters in ancient specimens. Extremely slow growth rate but lives for over 1,000-2,000 years.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for its straight, knot-free timber; historic source of Kauri gum for varnish. Highly susceptible to Kauri Dieback disease (Phytophthora agathidicida).
Wildlife & Ecology
Keystone species in NZ podocarp forests; supports unique epiphytic plants (like Collospermum) and provides nesting sites for native birds like the Kaka. The leaf litter creates a specialized soil environment (podzolization).