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Description
Agathis Dammara, also known as the Kauri Tree, is a large evergreen conifer native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Araucariaceae and can grow up to 50 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 4 meters. The Kauri Tree is known for its straight, cylindrical trunk and its massive size, which makes it a popular choice for timber production.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Araucariaceae |
| Genus | Agathis |
| Species | Agathis Dammara |
Appearance
The Kauri Tree has a tall, straight trunk with a conical shape and a pyramidal crown of foliage. Its leaves are scale-like and are arranged in whorls of three or four. The bark of the tree is smooth and gray when young but becomes rough and fissured as it matures. The cones of the Kauri Tree are large, measuring up to 20cm in length and weighing up to 10kg.
Care Guide
Water: The Kauri Tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and requires regular watering, especially during dry periods.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.Soil: Plant the Kauri Tree in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate acidic to slightly alkaline soil.Sunlight: The Kauri Tree prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The Kauri Tree is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Kauri Tree is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including root rot, scale insects, and mealybugs. It is also vulnerable to fungal diseases such as fusarium wilt and pitch canker.
Habitat
The Kauri Tree is native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It thrives in warm, humid environments and can grow in a variety of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Kauri Tree a fast-growing tree?
A: No, the Kauri Tree is a slow-growing tree and can take up to 50 years to reach maturity.Q: Can the Kauri Tree tolerate cold temperatures?
A: No, the Kauri Tree is not frost-tolerant and cannot survive in areas with cold winters.Q: Is the Kauri Tree endangered?
A: Yes, the Kauri Tree is considered an endangered species due to habitat loss and overexploitation for its timber.Q: Can the Kauri Tree be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Kauri Tree can be grown in containers but will require regular pruning to control its size.
Related Plants
Other species of Agathis include:
- Agathis Australis
- Agathis Robusta
- Agathis Loranthifolia
- Agathis Lanceolata
References
- “Agathis Dammara.” IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, www.iucnredlist.org/species/32975/2828748.
- “Agathis Dammara.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b776.
- “Agathis Dammara.” Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:262452-1.
