Agathis robusta

Queensland kauri holds itself with unusual composure, a straight, mottled grey trunk running clean to a narrow crown of broad, leathery, blade-like leaves. It reads more rainforest than conifer, glossy and dark rather than needled, and the scaly patchwork bark becomes a feature in its own right as the tree ages.

In the landscape

The narrow, upright habit and slow, orderly growth make it a reliable avenue tree where a rounded canopy would eventually crowd the space, allow 8–10 m between trees. Roots are non-invasive, so it sits well in paved forecourts, car park islands and street verges. As a single specimen it anchors an entry without dominating it, and it holds its scale for decades. Underplant with rainforest species that tolerate the dry shade beneath the crown.

Growing notes

Evergreen. Suited to coastal and highland Queensland, coastal New South Wales and warm-temperate districts; it will take light to moderate frost once established, and our trees are grown at 750 m at Ravensbourne where they meet real winter cold, though it is not a tree for cold inland Victoria. It prefers deep, free-draining acidic sandy or loamy soils and will hold in clay provided drainage is genuine. Growth is slow to moderate. In the ground expect roughly 20–30 m tall by 6–10 m wide over a long life, taller again in rainforest conditions. Tolerant of drought, coastal exposure and urban pollution once established.

This tree

• Height: 12.0–14.0 m
• Canopy width: 3.0–3.5 m
• Caliper: 220–280 mm
• Currently standing: 43 trees

Field-grown ex-ground at Ravensbourne Farm, root-pruned and basket-lifted, delivered and craned Australia-wide. Price on application through the Shortlist.