Agathis microstachya

Bull kauri

 
Bull Kauri, Lake Barrine circuit walk, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Australia
 
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Pinales
Family: Araucariaceae
Genus: Agathis
Species: A. microstachya
Binomial name
Agathis microstachya
J.F.Bailey & C.White[2]

Agathis microstachya, the bull kauri, is a species of conifer in the Araucariaceae family, endemic to Australia. It was described in 1918 by John Frederick Bailey and Cyril Tenison White.[2] It is threatened by habitat loss.

Description

A. microstachya grows up to about 50 m (160 ft) in height and 2.7 m (8 ft 10 in) in diameter. The trunk is unbuttressed, straight and with little taper. Distinctive features are coarse, flaky bark, medium-sized cones with 160-210 scales, and leaves with numerous longitudinal, parallel veins.[3]

Distribution

It has a very restricted distribution, being almost limited to the Atherton Tableland in Far North Queensland, with its elevational range 400–900 m (1,300–3,000 ft) above sea level.[3]

Timber

The wood has an even texture, is easy to work and polishes well. The heartwood is cream to pale brown in colour. It is soft and light with a density of about 480 kg/m3 (30 lb/cu ft). It is not durable in contact with the ground, but can be used for house framing and flooring.[3]

References

  1. Conifer Specialist Group (1998). "Agathis microstachya In: IUCN 2009". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Version 2009.1. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Retrieved September 22, 2009.
  2. 1 2 "Plant Name Details for Agathis microstachya". IPNI. Retrieved September 22, 2009.
  3. 1 2 3 Boland et al, p.38.

Notes

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