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Agathis robusta

About Your New Agathis robusta

Agathis robusta, the Queensland Kauri, is an Australian native conifer from the coastal and subtropical rainforests of Queensland. Unusually for a conifer it carries broad, glossy, leathery leaves rather than needles. Growth is strongly upright and symmetrical on a straight, clean trunk that thickens with age into an imposing column.

Expect 30 to 60 centimetres of growth a year in full sun and deep, well drained soil. It is at home in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate districts from Cairns through to Sydney, and grows well in sheltered Perth and coastal Melbourne gardens. It is frost sensitive, so young trees need a protected, frost free position.

Mature height is 15 to 25 metres with a spread of 5 to 8 metres, and up to 40 metres on ideal rainforest soils. That scale suits parkland, campus grounds, wide avenues and large lawns where the trunk can be seen from a distance. It gives shade and formal presence without the limb drop of many large trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Agathis robusta

What is Agathis robusta?

Agathis robusta, the Queensland Kauri, is a large evergreen conifer native to the rainforests of coastal and north Queensland. Unlike most conifers it carries broad, glossy, leathery leaves rather than needles. It grows with a strong central leader and a clean, straight trunk, and belongs to the ancient Araucariaceae family alongside the hoop and bunya pines.

How big does Queensland Kauri grow?

In cultivation expect 15 to 25 metres tall and 5 to 8 metres wide, and up to 40 metres on deep rainforest soils in ideal conditions. It is a long-lived tree that holds a narrow, upright profile for decades, so the width stays manageable on a landscape site even as the height builds.

Is Agathis robusta an Australian native?

Yes. It occurs naturally in two parts of Queensland, on the Atherton Tableland in the far north and in the Fraser Island and Maryborough district in the south east. That makes it a genuine local option for subtropical and warm temperate projects where a native conifer of real scale and presence is wanted.

Is Queensland Kauri frost tolerant?

No. It is frost sensitive and young trees can be set back or killed by frost, so choose a frost free or well sheltered position. In cooler districts, plant in a courtyard or on a north facing slope with some overhead protection, and hold stock in containers through the first winter or two if the site is exposed.

Does Agathis robusta flower?

Not in the usual sense. As a conifer it produces cones rather than flowers, with small catkin-like male cones and larger rounded female cones that break up on the tree to release winged seed. Cones only appear on mature specimens, so a young landscape tree will show none of this for many years.

How far apart should I plant Queensland Kauri?

For an avenue, 6 to 8 metres apart matches the 5 to 8 metre mature spread and lets each crown develop fully. Tighter spacing of about 3 metres is sometimes used where a continuous ranked line is wanted, but the crowns will merge and the lower branches will thin. As a single feature, allow 4 metres to any other tree.

How do I care for Agathis robusta?

Plant into deep, well drained soil in full sun and stake only if the site is windy. Water regularly through the first two or three summers and mulch well. Feed in spring with a balanced slow release fertiliser. Avoid pruning the leader, since the tree relies on it for form, and protect it from frost while young.

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Uses in my Garden

  • Avenue Planting
  • Feature Tree
  • Shade Tree
  • Council or Civic Landscapes

Agathis robusta works in an:

  • Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
  • Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
  • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.

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