Pacific Kauri, Moore Kauri
Agathis moorei

Family: Araucariaceae

What it is like

Agathis moorei is a medium-sized evergreen tree with a rounded crown that grows up to 30 m in height and 60-120 cm in diameter. The leaves are usually 5-6 cm long and 8-12 mm broad and in decussate opposite pairs. It has an oval-shaped cone up to 15 cm long and 12 cm diameter that disintegrate at maturity to release the winged seeds. It is endemic to New Caledonia, Australia, and Pacific and is threatened by habitat loss due to overexploitation of timber. The seed is edible. Also known as: Kaori Blanc, Kaori rouge

Agathis moorei is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 7 m (23ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 and neutral soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 25

Where it is found

A large emergent tree mainly restricted to areas of lowland rainforest that are mostly on non-ultramafic substrates.

Western Pacific - New Caledonia.

Conservation Status: Vulnerable B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v); C1. Population severely fragmented. Continuing decline of mature individuals

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, New Caledonia, Pacific.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seeds

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 4

Agathis species in general yield a high-quality resin, often known as Manila Copal. The resins obtained from Agathis borneensis, Agathis dammara, Agathis lanceolata, Agathis macrophylla and Agathis philippinensis are the most important commercially, but all members of the genus yield useable quantities. The resin is obtained in three forms. Firstly, it naturally exudes from the bark, branches, cones etc of the tree, especially as a result of any damage - some of these exudations can weigh as much as 20 kilos. The second form, known as fossil resin, is dug up from the ground - some of this resin can be of fairly recent origin (perhaps secreted by the roots of trees that have been felled, but much of it can be up to 50,000 years old, perhaps formed on a tree that fell naturally and was then gradually buried. The third form of resin is harvested by tapping the tree, though this can easily damage the tree and lead to premature death. The resin has a range of applications. Traditionally it has been used as a fuel for campfires, a torch, as a waterproofing on boats, as a medicine, the smoke from the burning resin is used as a black dye and for tattooing. The resin is used commercially in making high-quality varnishes, lacquers, linoleum. The heartwood is a creamy-white or light yellow, often with a pink reflection, turning golden brown on exposure; it is not clearly demarcated from the 8 - 11cm wide band of heartwood. The texture is fine; the grain straight. The wood is light in weight, soft, not very durable, being susceptible to dry wood borers and termites, and moderately susceptible to fungi. The wood seasons well with only a slight risk of checking or distorting; once dried it is stable in service. It works well with normal tools; screwing and nailing are good; glueing is correct. The wood has a wide range of uses, including for cabinetwork and high-class furniture, interior panelling and joinery, turnery, woodware, light carpentry, boxes and crates, cooperage, veneer etc.

Containers: Plants, such as gourds, that can be used as containers. Does not include baskets or containers made from wood.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.

Furniture: A few miscellaneous uses that do not fit easily into other headings.

Lacquer: A type of varnish.

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,

Varnish: Plants that can be used as a varnish without any special treatment. Does not include varnishes made from oils etc.

Waterproofing: Does what it says. See also Pitch and Oil.

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

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Young plants grow better in the shelter and shade of the woodland, but require increasing amounts of light as they grow larger. High nitrogen fertilizer annually.

Propagating it: Seed - it cannot tolerate desiccation and does not store for much more than 2 months in normal conditions. It does not require pre-treatment. Sowing is done with the wing part of the seed pointing upwards and 66% of the seed buried in the soil. Germination commences within 6 days, with 90 - 100% germination rates within 10 days. Cuttings of leading shoots.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Medium

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

Kaori Blanc, Kaori rouge

Synonyms

Agathis corbassonii de Laub. Dammara lanceolata Vieill. Dammara moorei Lindl. Salisburyodendron corb