New Zealand Kauri Pine

Agathis australis, also known as The New Zealand Kauri Pine, is a large evergreen coniferous Araucariaceae tree native to New Zealand. It is the largest (by volume) but not the tallest species of tree in New Zealand, standing up to 60 m tall in the emergent layer above the forest’s main canopy. The tree has smooth bark and small, narrow leaves. In most garden and park settings, the Kauri reaches 40 to 50 meters in height and has a spread of 5 to 10 metres. It is a long-lived species, and it is considered a slow-growing tree and can take some time to reach maturity. The growth rate over the tree’s lifetime tends to increase when the plant is young; it then reaches a maximum and declines afterwards.

Agathis australis prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The tree can tolerate various soil types and prefers soils with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5. It is drought-tolerant and can tolerate light frost. The tree prefers partial to full shade but can tolerate full sun if the soil is moist.

It is essential to ensure that the tree is planted in an area with enough room to grow, as it can reach a height of 60 meters and a spread of 5 to 10 meters.

When planting, it is crucial to ensure that the soil is well-prepared and free of debris and loose rocks and amend the soil with organic matter if necessary; it is also essential to ensure that the tree is planted at the same depth as it was in the container and water it well after planting.

New seed-grown tube stock will be available in late 2024.