Agathis robusta, also known as the Queensland Kauri or Queensland Kauri Pine is a conifer in the family Araucariaceae, native to eastern Queensland, Australia. It occurs in two localities, a southern population on Fraser Island and around Maryborough, and a northern population on the Atherton Tableland west of Cairns, Australia. A. robusta is a primitive dioecious conifer, like cycads, except it's a tree! It grows upright to 100 - 150 feet tall, with smooth, scaly bark. The leaves are 2-6 incheslong and 1-2 inches wide. Their tough and leathery texture, with no midrib and parallel veination reminds me of Zamia leaves. Because of its hardness and density, Agathis robusta used actively in the timber industry previously, and spectacularly large trees are much rarer in habitat than previously. However, the species as a whole is not considered endangered. |
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