Summary

Cross section of Queensland Kauri Pine (Agathis robusta) trunk with estimated age of 600 years. Growth rings indicated in 100 year intervals across diameter. Collected in Northern Queensland.

The cross section was originally identified as Agathis palmerstonii. Taxonomic revision no longer consider palmerstonii as a separate species, now it is identified as Agathis robusta. This species is found in two locations in Queensland: on Fraser Island and around Maryborough and on the Atherton Tableland west of Cairns. It is a rainforest tree and grows to the height of 50 metres. It was logged extensively in the late 1800s and early 1900s, but while large trees are now rare, it is not listed as an endangered species. The timber is suited to fine cabinetwork, turning, joinery, shelving, and a variety of other uses including pattern making, boxes, sailing masts, plywood and flooring.

This cross section is most likely the twin of a cross section on display in the Woodworks Museum, Gympie, Queensland. The tree was logged in the Danbulla State Forest, Atherton Tableland in 1939 and is referred to in various publications as a large and impressive speciman. The tree was aged at 619 years at the time of felling, and would have been close to 50 metres in height.

This cross section was used in a carbon dating project organised by the Institute of Nuclear Sciences of the New Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in 1965. It was cut into two pieces to create a sample for this project by the CSIRO Division of Forest Products.

Physical Description

Cross section of wooden kauri pine sample. Growth rings indicated in 100 year intervals across diameter in white paint.

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