Botanical Details

The Kauri, Agathis australis, is New Zealand’s largest and most famous native tree, on account of its size and age. It is regarded worldwide as a truly noble tree. Ancestors of the kauri first appeared in the Jurassic Period 190-135 million years ago. Kauri – podocarp – hardwood forests are among the most ancient in the world.
Family: Araucariaceae (evergreen trees found only in the Southern Hemiphere) Genus: Agathis (20 species of very large trees found in the southwest Pacific) Species: australis (the only species in New Zealand).

 

Kauri Timeline

 

Kauri Distribution

Kauri Distribution

The kauri grows in the subtropical northern part of the North Island, with a natural range as far as latitude 38 degrees south, roughly on a line joining Tauranga and Kawhia. However kauri are quite hardy and will grow as far south as Stewart Island (47 degrees...

Foliage

Foliage

Kauri male and female cones Kauri leaves have no petioles and are arranged alternately. They are thick and leathery with parallel veins and are dull olive-green colour. Juvenile leaves are 5-10 x 0.5-1.2cm; Adult leaves are 2.0-3.5 cm long. Most leaves remain on the...

Kauri Growth

Kauri Growth

Trees normally reach a height of 30m -- occasionally 60m -- with a normal trunk diameter of three metres, sometimes reaching seven metres. As a young tree (known as a ricker) the kauri has a narrow, conical shape with branches up the length of the trunk. As the tree...