Agathis

genus of plants

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
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)
Scientific classification
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Agathis

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.

Description change

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.[1]

Uses change

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.

Species change

Image Trunk Scientific Name Common Name
  Agathis atropurpurea Blue Kauri
    Agathis australis Kauri
  Agathis borneensis
    Agathis dammara
Agathis kinabaluensis
    Agathis lanceolata Koghis Kauri
  Agathis macrophylla Fijian Kauri
    Agathis microstachya Bull Kauri
Agathis moorei Moore's Kauri
Agathis orbicula
  Agathis ovata Scrub Kauri
    Agathis robusta Queensland Kauri

References change

  1. Whitmore T.C. 1977. A first look at Agathis. Tropical Forestry Papers #11. University of Oxford Commonwealth Forestry Institute.