Cladus: Eukaryota Name Agathis macrophylla (Lindl.) Mast. Synonyms Agathis vitiensis (Seem.) Hook.f. ex Drake References * Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society 14:197. 1892
Agathis macrophylla known as the Pacific Kauri, is a coniferous tree native to the islands of the southwestern Pacific Ocean in tropical humid lowlands and lower montane regions, notably in Fiji, Vanuatu, the Santa Cruz Islands, and the Solomon Islands. The Pacific Kauri is one of the largest and fastest growing species in its genus, and is important in forestry throughout the humid tropics.[1] Description
The leaves are green and glossy, elliptical to lanceolate, 7-15 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. They are borne on short petioles and held in a decussate pairs, but twisted so they lie in one plane. Leaves in the shade, of juvenile trees, and of individuals growing in wetter regions, tend to be larger. Male cones of A. macrophylla are elliptical and measure roughly 2-5 cm long at pollen shed. The short pollen cones help distinguish this species from related Agathis species. Female (seed) cones are globular, 8-13 cm across, and are borne on short woody stalks. The majority of the cone crop matures early to mid February, as the cones turn brown and release the winged seeds, which are small, flattened, and attached to a wing about 3.5 cm in length. Wind dispersal is very efficient; seeds have been known to travel tens of kilometres in the wind, and may even travel hundreds of kilometres during the tropical cyclones that occur frequently in the species' range. Ecology
It is one of the fastest growing species in its genus, capable of growing 1-1.5 metres in height annually in lightly shaded to open areas, where growth is fastest. The species is fairly shade tolerant, especially in the seedling stage, though growth is slow under suppression. Strong root systems enable mature trees to withstand cyclones and seed rapidly into gaps. The species on the whole is long lived, capable of reaching ages of 300-1000 years. Uses A. macrophylla is a valued commercial timber species, and its wood is much sought after for many uses. The wood is a cream to gold colour (mature heartwood is a lustrous brown) and much appreciated in the timber industry, particularly as a surface veneer. The dry wood has a density of approximately 540 kg/m³. Pacific Kauri is a valuable tree throughout the southeastern Pacific (Melanesia). The timber is frequently used for house construction, canoe carving, and totem pole construction. Smoke from the resin is used as a black dye for hair, clothes and tattoos, and the leaves are used in traditional medicine. External links * Agathis macrophylla at the Gymnosperm Database.
1. ^ Agathis macrophylla was previously known as A. obtusa in Vanuatu and A. vitiensis in Fiji, but these are now regarded as 'non-preferred names' (Thompson 2006:2). Also now included in A. macrophylla is Agathis silbae of Santo Island, Vanuatu.
* Conifer Specialist Group (2000). Agathis macrophylla. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 26 November 2006. Source: Wikipedia, Wikispecies: All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License |
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