Where is the largest kauri tree in New Zealand?
Waipoua Forest
Tāne Mahuta, also called God of the Forest, is a giant kauri tree (Agathis australis) in the Waipoua Forest of Northland Region, New Zealand. Its age is unknown but is estimated to be between 1,250 and 2,500 years. It is the largest kauri known to stand today.
What is special about a kauri tree?
Kauri have existed as a species for around 20 million years. Kauri are a cornerstone of the indigenous forests of the upper North Island. They are also one of the longest-living tree species in the world (reaching ages of 1000 years-plus), as well as the largest. Mature trees have an average diameter of two metres.
How long does it take for a kauri tree to grow?
Growth. Like most conifers, young kauri have a narrow pyramid shape. As the trees reach the forest canopy, which takes 50 years or more, they shed their lower branches to become clean-stemmed ‘rickers’ – named after the ships’ spars for which they were once logged.
Do kauri trees grow in Australia?
In parks and gardens across Australia, Kauri pine cuts a fine figure, growing to enormous sizes, even in southern regions. Our Australian kauri pine, once common in the dry rainforests of Queensland, has become a victim of its own success.
Does Tane Mahuta have kauri dieback?
It is now confirmed that the kauri dieback disease has been found in close proximity to the forests’ senior resident, Tāne Mahuta. The gates are locked with barriers blocking the well trodden walkways to the kauri in Waipoua forest.
How old is Matua Ngahere?
It is generally considered to be over 1500 years old, and was first discovered in February 1937. Forest conservationists estimate that such trees live for about 4000 years, but the life span of Te Matua Ngahere should shorten due to the damage from the 2007 storm winds.
Can you cut down kauri trees?
Ms Charlesworth said that while many kauri dense areas are covered by the SEA (significant ecological area) plan, which was introduced after blanket tree protection was lifted in 2012, even those trees can be cut down.
What was kauri gum used for?
Māori called kauri gum kāpia. They chewed it like chewing gum. They used gum to start fires, because it burns easily. They mixed the soot from burnt gum with oil or fat, and used it in moko (facial tattoos).
Can you grow kauri trees?
Kauri will grow best if they are not suppressed by dense competition. Kauri should be situated 5-10m from other large trees to reduce overcrowding.
Is kauri a hardwood or softwood?
Queensland kauri is an Australian native softwood with a fine even texture, pale cream to light or pinkish brown heartwood and a straight grain.
Is kauri endemic to NZ?
Kauri is a native New Zealand tree that grows in the warm, northern part of the country – Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula and Northland. It is one of the largest and longest-living trees in the world. Kauri can live for 1,000 years or more, and its trunk can be over 2 metres in diameter.
How old is Tane Mahuta tree?
approximately 2,000 years old
This forest is the home of Tāne Mahuta, the country’s largest kauri tree, which is approximately 2,000 years old and still growing. Nearly 18 metres to the first branch and 4.4 metres in diameter, Tāne Mahuta is rightly called ‘The Lord of the Forest’.