Agathis ovata
Scrub Kauri
Description
Source: leafsnapAgathis ovata, commonly known as the Queensland kauri or smooth-barked kauri, is a large evergreen tree native to Australia. This tree belongs to the Araucariaceae family and can reach heights of up to 50 meters, with a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters. Its bark is smooth and grayish-brown in color. The leaves of Agathis ovata are needle-like and arranged in whorls around the branches. They are dark green on the top side, with two white stripes on the underside. The male cones are cylindrical, while the female cones are larger and rounder. This species prefers moist soils but can tolerate dry conditions once established. It is commonly found in rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and along watercourses throughout Queensland. Agathis ovata has been prized for its timber due to the high-quality wood, which is resistant to decay and termites. However, over-harvesting for timber has caused the species to become endangered in some areas. Conservation efforts are underway, including planting new trees and protecting existing ones from logging activities. Ecologically, Agathis ovata plays an important role by providing habitat for various wildlife species, such as birds and insects that rely on its seeds or foliage for food and shelter. Overall, Agathis ovata is a vital species both economically, because of its valuable timber, and ecologically, due to its significant role in various ecosystems throughout Queensland's rainforests.
Care Guide
💧 Water Every 7 days
☀️ Light Partial sun
Scrub kauri occurs naturally in places like forest understories or rocky locations, where it grows in natural shade. It favors partial sun but can adjust to full sun or full shade, illustrating its versatility and hardiness.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
Scrub kauri comes from tropical areas, where the weather is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is well suited to high heat and humidity. It does not tolerate abrupt temperature shifts and favors a steady thermal environment, so avoiding temperature swings indoors is important. It generally cannot withstand cold conditions and needs warmer temperatures to grow; if the ambient temperature becomes too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
Scrub kauri has distinct nutrient needs and does not require heavy fertilization. Fertilizing in spring is best for achieving optimal growth. Providing nutrients improves its health, raises its resistance to pests and diseases, and helps preserve a long lifespan.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Agathis
- Family
- Araucariaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 20.12 m to 29.87 m
- Mature Spread
- 10.06 m to 14.94 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Bloom Time
- Early spring, Mid spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall