Kauri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Agathis |
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Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri) | |
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Agathis
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Agathis is a genus of evergreen, coniferous trees, the kauri. They grow mainly in the southern hemisphere, including southeast Asia, areas of the western Pacific, and Australasia.
Agathis is a relatively small genus, with only 21 known species. As a conifer, it bears its seeds in conifer cones. Mature Agathis can become quite large, reaching 130 feet (about 40 m) in height and 10 feet (about 3 m) in diameter.
The genus is part of the ancient Araucariaceae family of conifers, a group once widespread during the Jurassic period, but now largely restricted to the southern hemisphere.
Contents
Description
Mature kauri trees have large trunks, forming a bole with little or no branching below the crown. In contrast, young trees are normally conical in shape, forming a more rounded or irregularly shaped crown as they mature.
Uses
In the logging industry it is generally referred to as commercial grade mahogany. Timber from the Agathis has several uses, including cabinet making, boat building, musical instruments, and in years past, artificial limbs. It also produces a wide variety of resins.
Images for kids
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Bark of Agathis robusta at Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens (leaves belong to another plant)
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Kauri logs and loggers near Piha
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Tāne Mahuta, an Agathis australis in Waipoua Forest, the largest tree in New Zealand by volume
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Te Matua Ngahere, an A. australis in Waipoua Forest, the oldest (and 2nd largest) tree in New Zealand
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Agathis australis male pollen cone
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Agathis australis seed
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Agathis australis cone
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Agathis australis leaves and cones
See also
In Spanish: Agathis (planta) para niños