The Kauri Starves Its Neighbors

Agathis australis is a coniferous tree found north of thirty eight degrees south in New Zealand. Other names include southern kauri.

Kauri stands up to 50 metres tall. Trunk diameters reach over 5 metres, rivaling Californian sequoias.

Young kauri grows as a narrow cone. It sheds lowest branches to prevent vines from climbing. Bouncers rarely work in bark.

Agathis australis can live for more than a millennium.

Seed cones mature 18 to 20 months after pollination. They disintegrate to release winged seeds into the wind.

Flaking bark defends against parasitic plants. On large trees, shed bark accumulates around the base to 2 metres. Shedding bark is just seasonal redecorating.

Kauri litter is highly acidic. Rain washes nitrogen and phosphorus deep into the soil, starving competitors.

Scientists combined tree rings from living kauri, buildings, and swamp wood for a 4,500-year dendrochronology.