Dakua
Agathis macrophylla

Family: Araucariaceae

What it is like

Agathis macrophylla, Dakua or Pacific kauri is a fast growing large tropical tree. It grows 40 m high with a trunk to 3 m across. An excellent commercial timber.

Agathis macrophylla is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid, very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 30

Where it is found

A dominant component of lowland subtropical and tropical forests at elevations of 5 - 1,150 metres.

Southwest Pacific - Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands.

Conservation Status: Agathis macrophylla (Fijian Kauri Pine): Status: Endangered B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) ver 3.1 Pop. trend: decreasing

Countries/locations it is found in

Found In: Australia, New Caledonia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 4

Agroforestry Uses: Tropical cyclones occur at periodic intervals in all parts of its range. Pacific kauri has an ability to withstand strong winds thereby acting as a wind break or barrier. In certain situations it is suited as boundary marker, due to size and longevity. The species is suitable for soil protection and binding in areas where long term stabilization of less stable soil profiles is needed. It has spreading root systems that help stabilize soils on ridges and slopes. The tree is mainly suitable as a long term top storey tree for more shade tolerant understory crops; however, wide-spaced plantings of less dense forms may provide light shade for a wider variety of crops. Other Uses A resin, called 'resin of Fiji', is obtained from the trunk. The resin, produced from the living inner bark, was an important component of many varnishes and is still used mixed with synthetics. Commercial export of the resin was formerly practiced in Fiji but was prohibited in 1941, as no method could be found for tapping an economic yield of gum without endangering the life of the tree. The resin is traditionally used as canoe caulk, and the resin soot was used for tattoos. The resin has also been used for glazing pots. The resin has also been used for lighting and torches. Smoke residues of the burnt resin were traditionally used as a dye for the hair. The heartwood is pale cream to gold brown; the sapwood straw yellow to pale brown. The wood is finely grained, lustrous, uniform and easily worked. Damage from pinhole borers may occur in standing trees, while drywood termites and Anobium borers may cause damage in service. The wood is readily kiln dried with a medium shrinkage value. In service the timber is very stable. It is suitable for a wide range of end-uses including laboratory bench tops, vats, sauna baths, battery separators, weatherboards, bowls, novelties, handles, furniture, veneer, and boat building. It has good peeling and gluing properties and is highly sought after for surface veneer. Its finely grained, pale, easily worked, and uniform timber is of major commercial importance with various high value end-uses, including furniture, handicrafts, veneer, boat building, light construction, and panelling.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Hair: Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.

Lighting: Plants that can be used as torches etc. See also Oil and Wax.

Resin: Used in perfumery, medicines, paints, soap making etc. This also includes turpentine, which is extracted from many resins and used as a preservative, water proofer etc,

Shelterbelt: Wind resistant plants than can be grown to provide shelter in the garden etc.

Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

A plant of the moister lowland tropics and subtropics, growing in areas where the rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year and is in the range of 1,900 - 6,000 mm. The mean annual temperature is in the range 25 - 28°c Most commonly found on well structured, friable, and freely drained soils. Prefers a position in full sun or light shade, it can also tolerate quite considerable shade, though growth will be greatly reduced. Young plants require sheltered, shady positions. The tree generally prefers basalt-derived clay loams and clays with a well developed upper humus layer. It has also been reported on coral limestone terraces and bordering mangrove vegetation. Tree growth is poor on compacted and waterlogged soils. Plants can withstand strong winds. Grows well in acid soils, tolerating a pH in the range 4.0 - 7.4. A long lived tree that can live for up to 1,000 years. It is fairly fast-growing tree, in favourable conditions, annual growth can reach about 1 - 1.5 metres. Young specimens have a vigorous taproot, whilst mature specimens have wide, spreading root systems that help stabilize soils on ridges and slopes. Trees start producing flowers when about 10 years old, the seed taking two years to mature. The use of selected, superior seed provenances (notably from Vanuatu) and good silviculture will enable the commercial production of timber and veneer in plantations on a 40 - 55-year rotation period. For introduction into areas outside of its natural range, it is important to inoculate seedlings with appropriate mycorrhizal fungi. From a plantation viewpoint, this species stands apart from most other members of the genus because of its ability to grow moderately fast and establish in open, sunny sites.

Propagating it: Seed - no pre-treatment is required, and fresh, undamaged seeds germinate rapidly, commencing within 2 - 7 days (at 26°c and completed by 14 days. Sow in containers in light shade. Plant out seedlings after about 6 - 12 months when they are about 30cm tall. Cuttings of leading shoots.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Also known as: Duro, Hoe, Makadre, Marabete, Nejev, Nendu, Takua.

Synonyms

Abies dammara (Lamb.) Poir. Agathis alba (Rumph. ex Hassk.) Foxw. Agathis celebica (Koord.) Warb. Ag