Agathis microstachya

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

Bull kauri
Bull kauri, Lake Barrine circuit walk, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland.
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Gymnosperms
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Araucariales
Family: Araucariaceae
Genus: Agathis
Species:
A. microstachya
Binomial name
Agathis microstachya
J.F.Bailey & C.White[2]

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. "Plant Name Details for Agathis microstachya". IPNI. Retrieved September 22, 2009.
  3. Boland et al, p.38.

Notes
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