SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.

Agathis & Araucaria - planted for timber.

Araucaria, Ginkgo and Pinus pinea - planted for food crops

We need to plant alternative species for timber. We are encouraging farmers and land owners to consider planting a block of Agathis australis (the New Zealand Kauri) for this purpose. See our listing near the front of this Catalogue for details. (Another suggestion is the Cryptomeria japonica 'Egmont' but this is for the future. If this is an option please put in an order for 2002 or beyond).

We have embarked on promoting ( along with Graeme Platt) the Agathis and Araucaria families for timber – they are proving to be a great alternative species. Research has shown that the ones which have been milled in New Zealand have excellent timber properties. We will list those we have available in quantity at our Nursery with a description.

Small farmers and those with an interest in Food Crops will also be interested in growing the three Araucaria species and the Ginkgo for such a crop. We will mark (with an asterisk) those suitable for this purpose.

The seed of all of the following species are edible however the seed of most are far too small to bother with. The four main seed crops comes from those marked *

A most important factor in growing these trees for either seed production, for future timber production or for Food Crops is that these trees are generally dioecious with male and female cones on different trees and therefore need to be planted in groves of no less than 3 trees but preferably groups of 5 or up to 10 or even 20 or 30 to make the whole exercise worthwhile. Monoecious if male and female cones on the same tree.

We must forget the idea of recovering costs or making an income from these trees in 20 to 30 years (in our lifetime) but plan to selectively mill in 50 to 80 or 100 years. We are planting for future generations. These are long lived trees and will crop for many years. They can be then milled for their valuable timber.

Agathis australis - Kauri. Native of New Zealand. A king among NZ forest trees. Does not become embarrassingly large when grown away from its rain-forest habitat. 40 metres high at a great age in native habitat. 4 metres high x 2 metres in 10 years. Zone 9.

(G.S.T incl..)

Suitable for timber: Yes.

Planting spacing for timber: 6 metres - staggered spacing.

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Agathis macrophylla – Native of Tropical Australasia. Ecological studies of conifers in this region are relatively few, in fact some as recent as 1966 and 1977. Agathis macrophylla found in Solomon Islands to Fiji, was previously known as Agathis obtusa in Vanuatu and Agathis vitiensis in Fiji. On Vaniforo in the southern Solomon Islands macrophylla grows in ridge-top forests at about 480 metres above sea level in an area receiving in excess of 600 cm annual rainfall on volcanic soil. It is uncommon near the base of slopes and in valleys. Trees have been known to reach 30 metres high. It is known that this tree enjoys volcanic soils anywhere from 100 to 500 metres above sea level. Zone 9.

(G.S.T incl..)

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Agathis macrostachya – Native of North Queensland. Ecological information is limited. However we do know that this Agathis is found on low-fertility acidic granites in upland areas receiving 200-300 cm of rainfall annually. Zone 9.

(G.S.T incl..)

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Agathis moorei – Native of New Caledonia. One of the great timber trees of the world. A tree 15 to 20 metres high, erect, ornamental habit, branches slender, with pendulous tips. Growing at 300 to 600 metres above sea level in the mountains. One of the great timber trees of the world. Zone 9.

Suitable for timber: Yes .

.Planting spacing for timber: 6 metres - staggered lines.

Trees not available yet in quantity.

(G.S.T incl..)

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Agathis palmerstonii - Native of North Queensland, Australia. A tall tree, trunk columnar and largely clear of branches. Leaves similar to those of Agathis robusta but smaller and narrower. Zone 9.

Suitable for Timber: Yes.

Planting spacing for timber: 6 metres - staggered lines.

(Less for a quantity)

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Agathis robusta - Queensland Kauri. (syn. palmerstonii ) Smooth-bark Kauri. Native of Queensland, Australia. Found in both North and south Queensland. A tall tree. In southern Queensland robusta is seldom found higher than 200 metres above sea level in its natural habitat. Further north it can be found at 750 metres a.s.l. Upright and columnar in its early years. Growing very well in our nursery/garden. 5 metres high x 3 metres wide in 10 years. Zone 9.

Suitable for timber: Yes.

Planting spacing for timber: 6 metres - staggered lines.

Sizes available this season: 

(G.S.T incl..)

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Agathis vitiensis - Melanesian Kauri. Native of Fiji Islands. Now referred to in some circles as Agathis macrophylla. Comes from an area of volcanic soils between 100 and 500 metres above sea level in natural habitat and receiving between 200 and 600 cm of rain per year. Upright & narrow when young. A tree 15 to 20 metres high in native habitat. Zone 9. 

See syn. Agathis macrophylla.

Suitable for timber: Yes.

Planting spacing for timber:  6 metres - staggered lines.

(G.S.T incl..)

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*Araucaria angustifolia – Native of southern Brazil. Parana pine. Candelabra pine. Decimated in native habitat through logging. Replacement trees have been planted but not enough to cover the hectares depleted. Seeds are edible for humans as well as foraging animals. This slows up regeneration. Trees are usually dioecious (male & female cones on different trees (occasionally monoecious-male & female cones on same tree). Seeds germinate soon after falling from the parent tree and do not usually retain viability for longer than about six weeks. Seedlings develop long tap roots and can adapt physiologically to grow in extreme shade. When in a shady situation their growth rate is much reduced. In native habitat seedlings can be killed by fire. When the trees reach 40 cm in diameter they will withstand fire. 6 metres high x 5 metres across at the crown in 10 years growing in our nursery/garden. Zone 9. Seeds edible

Suitable for timber: Yes.

Planting spacing for timber: 6 metres - staggered lines.

Planting spacing for food crop: 6 metres - staggered lines.

(G.S.T incl..)

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*Araucaria araucana - Monkey Puzzle, Chile Pine. Native of Chile and S.W. Argentina on the West slopes of the Andes. (Frost tender when very young only in areas of severe frosts). Likes moist, loamy to gravely soil. When growing at low altitude needs well drained site. In the natural habitat of the Araucana, most rainfall occurs in the winter when up to 400 cm (4 metres) can fall and much of this is in the form of snow. Where Araucana are growing naturally in wet areas, it is at a high altitude where high summer night temperatures do not occur. In areas where rain falls in summer and night temperatures are above 16 degrees Celsius - plant with a cool root run or, in the southern hemisphere, on south facing hillside. This is the only Conifer we know that is almost stock proof. i.e. too prickly for any animal to eat - goats may be the exception. Has a very long life. Formal shape. Pyramidal when young. 3 cm seeds are edible. Age at the time of coning - 20 years. 30 to 50 metres high in its natural habitat. 6.5 metres high x 3 metres wide in 10 years in our nursery/garden. Zone 8.

Suitable for timber: Yes.

Planting spacing for timber: 6 metres - staggered lines.

Planting spacing for food crop: 6 metres - staggered lines.

Sizes available this season:

(G.S.T incl..)

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Araucaria bidwillii - Bunya-bunya. A native of the coastal regions of Queensland, Australia. Prickly foliage. Usually occurs in cool sub-tropical rain forest, on fertile loamy soils, in the Bunya mountains of Southern Queensland at an altitude of about 1000 metres. This tree does not become available very often. A broad, uniformly pyramidal tree. 7 metres high in 10 years. Up to 50 metres tall in favourable climates. Zone 7. Seeds edible.

Suitable for timber: Yes.

Planting spacing for timber: 6 metres - staggered lines.

Planting spacing for food crop: 6 metres - staggered lines.

Plants available this season.

(G.S.T incl..)

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Araucaria columnaris – Cook Pine. Native to New Caledonia. Very similar to and often confused with Norfolk Island Pine when young. The habit is narrower and less feathery. Far more suitable in its early years for a small coastal garden. Nearly always leans slightly one way. The habit is narrower because the older branches are lost and new epicormic ones develop on the stem and replace them. In its native habitat Araucaria columnaris shows maximum growth and abundance at the edge of the sea, forming dense populations on cliffs exposed to the prevailing winds. Can reach 60 metres in natural habitat. 4.5 metres high x 2.5 metres wide in 10 years growing in our nursery/garden. Zone 9.

Suitable for timber: Yes.

Planting spacing for timber: 6 metres - staggered lines.

Plants available this season:

(G.S.T incl..)

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Araucaria cunninghamii - Australian Hoop or Moreton Bay Pine. Native of North East Coast of Queensland Australia and New Guinea. Grows between sea level and 200 m above sea level in Australia and up to 2745 metres in New Guinea. The New Guinea form now known as A. cunninghamii var. papuana. (The New Guinea form was formally known as Araucaria bernieri.) Tolerates average rainfall from 85 cm to 4 metres and temperature range from 11 degrees C to 26 deg. C. We have no trouble here with no need to protect from a minor frost. Juvenile growth very very prickly. As the tree ages the foliage changes and is more pleasant to handle with the trunk gradually peeling off the prickly outer layer to reveal a wonderful shiny copper bark. Upright & columnar. 4 metres high x 2 metres wide in 10 years. Zone 9.

Suitable for timber: Yes.

Planting spacing for timber: 6 metres - staggered lines.

Only Specimen trees available this season.

(G.S.T incl..)

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Araucaria cunninghamii var. glauca - from Monte Cecilia, (an old Monastery in Auckland)   It is not Araucaria heterophylla but is similar in habit and size for its age.  One of the oldest Araucaria in Auckland. It is a very large tree in time. It is a very distinct form with a glaucus bloom on young seedlings.   If you have the room this tree is well worth growing a small group. No more information available at present. Zone 9.

Approx. 10 year height: Not known.

Suitable for Timber: Yes.

Planting spacing for timber: 6 metres - staggered lines.

Plants available this season are:

(G.S.T incl..)

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Araucaria cunninghamii var. papuana - Native of New Guinea. Formerly known as A. bernieri. Occurs mostly in lower and mid montane forests at altitudes above 1000 metres. In this habitat papuana can reach a height of 60 metres.

Suitable for timber: Yes.

Planting spacing for timber: 6 metres - staggered lines.

Plants available this season are:

(G.S.T incl..)

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Araucaria heterophylla - True Norfolk Island Pine. Suitable for tub or large garden or as a farm shelter especially on the coast. It is frost tender until about 1.5 m high or it gets adult foliage. However it can be established in marginal areas if frost protection is provided in the early years. Colour is green throughout its life. Extremely salt wind resistant. A superb tree for coastal shelter belts. When grown in shelter line, maximum height 40 m. Growth rate moderate. 60 m high at maturity. The Norfolk Island Pine grows on the sides of cliffs as well as on the top areas overlooking the sea on Norfolk Island. It is extremely wind firm and balances its growth according to wind velocity. It is not known to blow over unless on a very wet site. Will grow on all sites and soil conditions well away from the sea and much further south in New Zealand than our locality. A very symmetrical tree of magnificent stature. Many folk admire its towering beauty and "the cross" on the top. 8 metres high x 5 metres wide in 10 years. Zone 9.

PLANT 10 TO 20 METES APART FOR SHELTER.

Suitable for Timber: Yes.

Planting spacing for timber: 6 metres - staggered lines.

Plants available this season are:

(G.S.T incl..)

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Araucaria hunsteinii - Native of New Guinea. Klinkii Pine. Found in abundant numbers at 700 to 1000 metres above sea level. The tallest tree in the tropics with a maximum height nearing 90 metres in native habitat. Zone 9.

Approx. 10 year height: Not known

Suitable for Timber: Yes.

Planting spacing for timber: 6 metres - staggered lines.

Plants available this season:

(G.S.T incl..)

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Araucaria laubenfelsii - Native of New Caledonia. In native habitat it occupies rocky slopes in rain forests. May reach a height of 50 metres in native habitat. Foliage is more luxuriant, larger and more beautiful than Araucaria heterophylla. 1.3 metres high x 1.3 metres wide in 5 years in our nursery/garden. Zone 9. Please enquire.

Approx. 10 year height: Not known.

Suitable for timber: Yes.

Planting spacing for timber: 6 metres - staggered lines.

(Not under production yet but available in our Nursery to view.)

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Araucaria luxurians – Native of New Caledonia. Found at altitudes below 200 metres above sea level in a region receiving less than 200 cm of annual rainfall occupying windswept sea cliffs. Is a known timber tree. Please enquire.

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Ginkgo Nuts

*Ginkgo biloba - Native of China. Maidenhair tree. The celebrated ginkgo tree was called a "living fossil" by Charles Darwin. A relic of the distant past, it is the only surviving member of a tree family dominant in the vegetation of the Northern Hemisphere 125 million years ago when dinosaurs were still roaming about. Its original home was probably northern China and Ginkgo is the Chinese name for the tree. ( Maidenhair tree was so called because the leaves look like the leaves of a maidenhair fern.) The tree is deciduous. The green leaves become a striking clear yellow and drop very rapidly in the autumn to form a beautiful, temporary golden carpet on the ground.

The Ginkgo biloba is dioecious, male and female flowers are borne on separate trees; to obtain fertile fruits, both sexes must be grown close together. In about 35 or 40 years the female trees start to bear fruits resembling plums, orange-yellow in colour and about 1.5 cm in diameter. The fleshy, foul-smelling pulp encloses a cream-coloured, oval, pointed seed, 1 to 2 cm long. When gathered, the fruits are either fermented in vats or water to remove the pulp, with its stinking odour suggestive of rancid butter, or buried to hasten the pulp’s decay. They are then washed and dried in the sun. Roasting or boiling the nuts, either shelled or in the shell, completes the task of getting rid of the unpleasant taste. The soft, inner kernel, when cooked, is edible, with a pleasant flavour similar to mild Swiss cheese - it is said to promote digestion and diminish the effects of too much drinking. Ginkgo nuts have a ritual significance in China and Japan, where they are consumed at feasts and weddings as an oriental delicacy called "silverfruits".

The edible portion of the ginkgo nut has a low fat content. The Ginkgo nut has medicinal value and also the leaves when inserted between the pages of books prevents insect damage. Ginkgo wood is light, soft, satiny-white in colour and has insect-repelling properties. Its use is constrained by a limited supply of timber. The Ginkgo is a popular ornamental. It possesses many desirable characteristics, it transplants easily, distinctively handsome, upright growth habit, resistant to cold, drought and urban air pollution and has a very long life span. It requires good drainage and does not grow well in the tropics.

Some people do not fancy Ginkgo nuts, which are consumed for the most part by Chinese and Japanese people who enjoy them as appetizers and cook them with meat or fowl. Boiled, canned, imported ginkgo nuts are available in food shops and health shops. Ginkgo extract is available as a health product in both supermarkets and health food shops. Zone 3. 

Seeds edible.

Approx. 10 year height: Not known

Suitable for timber: Yes.

Planting spacing for timber: 6 metre spacing in staggered lines.

Trees available this season are:

Planting spacing for seed or nut production: 6 metre spacing in staggered lines. 10 females to 1 male tree. It must be mentioned here that root stock should be planted and then material from fruiting trees grafted onto it. With this system one would have a tree fruiting in 2 or 3 years from time of grafting.

Some experienced New Zealand Farm Foresters have already taken up the challenge and planted some of the Agathis & Araucaria in small blocks. You can do the same – we look forward to hearing from you.

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Copyright information (© 2002 Cedar Lodge Nurseries)