How fast does it grow?

It is a relatively slow grower in its early years but picks up speed once established.

Can I grow this in a small garden?

No, it is a massive forest tree that requires significant space to reach maturity.

Plant guide

Queensland kauri.

Agathis robusta

Pronounced AG-uh-thiss roh-BUS-tuh

Also known as Dundathu-pine, North Queensland kauri, North Queensland kauri-pine, Queensland Kauri, Queensland kauri-pine, South Queensland kauri, South Queensland kauri-pine, australian-kauri

The Queensland kauri is a magnificent, towering conifer native to the rainforests of Australia. It is known for its massive, straight trunk and unique, leathery leaves. This tree is best suited for large outdoor landscapes where it has plenty of room to grow.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Conifer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 30 to 50 meters
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Provide deep, well-draining soil and consistent moisture to keep this tree happy. Watch for yellowing leaves which can indicate poor drainage or nutrient issues. It prefers a humid environment, so keep it away from harsh, drying winds.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches.
Repotting: Repot only if the tree is in a container and has become root-bound.
Soil: Deep, fertile, well-draining soil
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Temperature: 5 to 35°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%

Safety

People: There is no known toxicity in this plant for humans.
Children: The large, heavy cones can pose a falling hazard to children playing beneath the tree.
Contact allergens: The resin may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Pollen can be a minor irritant during the flowering season.
Edibility: The seeds are not considered a food source and should not be eaten.

How to identify it

Massive straight grey trunk
Leathery oval shaped leaves
Large woody seed cones
Smooth peeling bark

Height: 15 to 50m
Spread: 6 to 15m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: yellowish, 1 to 3cm
Fruit: brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Root rot · Occurs in poorly drained soils where water pools around the base.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed
When to plant: spring, autumn

Plant shade loving ferns around the base to help retain soil moisture and mimic the forest floor.

Grows well with

Bird's Nest Fern · It enjoys the dappled shade provided by the Kauri canopy.
Bangalow Palm · This palm shares similar moisture requirements and thrives in the same subtropical environment.

Similar species

New Zealand Kauri · It is a close relative with a similar growth habit and historical significance.

Science

Family: Araucariaceae
Genus: Agathis
Order: Pinales
Class: Pinopsida
Native range: Coastal regions of Queensland, Australia.
Conservation: It is not currently listed as endangered, though habitat loss remains a concern in its native range.

It thrives in subtropical rainforests where it competes for light by growing tall above the canopy.

Value to wildlife: provides nesting habitat, seeds eaten by birds
Uses: ornamental specimen, timber production, shade tree

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How fast does it grow?: It is a relatively slow grower in its early years but picks up speed once established.
Can I grow this in a small garden?: No, it is a massive forest tree that requires significant space to reach maturity.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Agathis comes from the Greek word for a ball of thread, referring to the shape of the female cones. The species name robusta highlights the sturdy and impressive stature of this tree.

Good to know

It is commonly known as the Queensland Kauri.
The bark peels off in large flakes as the tree grows.
It can live for several hundred years in ideal conditions.
The wood is highly prized for its fine grain and strength.

Keep your queensland kauri growing

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.