By Geoff Holloway
Queensland Kauri Pine, (Agathis robusta) The Family Araucariaceae thrived in Australia for 175 million years and once covered much of the super continent, Gondwanaland.
The other members of the Araucariaceae family are the Bull Kauri (Agathis microstachya), Hoop Pine (Aruacaria cunninghamii), Bunya Pine (Aruacaria bidwillii) and the Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis).
A fine, even texture set this timber apart from the more common Hoop pine. During the 1800’s the Kauri was mainly found on Fraser Island, the Fraser coast of Queensland and the Atherton Tablelands.
Lifespan can be 100 to 300 years and can grow to 40 metres and 2 metre diameter, the oldest and biggest trees up to 50 metres tall and 2.5 metre diameter were heavily harvested in the early settlement period, Historically, “Because of the size of the trunk it was possible to obtain fairly wide boards.
Very even texture, seasons very readily with little movement, not durable in contact with the ground, but otherwise stands up to exposure quite well. The wood is creamy-white, fine straight grain, 480 kg/m3, easily worked and can be finished to a beautiful glossy surface. Stains and polishes well.
Uses: Plywood, flooring, cabinet work, furniture, indoor fittings, boat building, turning. In early homes was used for kitchen sinks and bench tops, considered the better timber of the native conifers.
Considered a most stately tree, planted in many parks, gardens and avenues in the Eastern States of Australia and South Australia.
