33 Kauri Tree Facts: Learn More About The Coniferous Plant

Kauri can be termed a cornerstone of the indigenous forests in the North Island.

It is to be noted that these are ancient trees, one of the longest-living species of the world and the largest.

But because of dieback disease, the kauri trees are in danger. Phytophthora Agathidicida is a fungal disease that spreads across New Zealand due to the presence of kauri. And this disease slowly kills the kauri trees.

We all know how trees indicate the health of ecosystems and human existence. It is important to learn more about the kauri trees.

Facts About Kauri Tree

Kauri trees are New Zealand's based giant trees gaining the third position in its length, first and second position secured by Sequoia and Sequoiadendron.

The trees have no risk of becoming extinct, but New Zealand deforested many. Only North Island has 1000 years old conserved tree species.

The most attractive feature of kauri is that it secretes the crown found at the top of its trunk.

Looking at fossil specimens of kauri trees, it is found that the trees have been there since the era of Pleistocene and Holocene.

Though lower in extinction, the degraded number of kauri trees is due to many deforestations in New Zealand and interference of glaciers.

With 148 ft (45.1 m) in length and 114 ft (34.7 m) in width, Tane Mahuta is the lengthiest kauri tree found in Waipoua Forest.

The oldest known 'Father of Forest' is Te Matua Ngahere which is 2000 years old.

Mature trees have a 6.5 ft (2 m) diameter, and the tallest native trees can reach heights over 164 ft (50 m). Kauri forests require more light, but they can handle low soil nutrient content.

Kauri seedlings are suppressed under the forest canopy of other species and smaller trees in the fertile soils. It is one reason these giant trees are limited to less-fertile soils.

Did you know that a mature kauri can emerge above other bigger trees in a forest environment? Even the young trees look beautiful, with various plant species covering shrub level and the grass surrounding the ground beneath.

Despite the significant uses that a mature kauri and young kauri can provide, severe logging activities were performed in kauri forest areas in New Zealand, leading to an almost-extinct situation.

Uses Of Kauri Tree

The primary use of the kauri tree is for making houses and boats by Maori.

The extracted gum was used as starting a fire or chewing along with the Puha plant's milk.

The gum is obtained by bleeding alive trees and digging for resin materials and varnishes.

Kauri timber was used in farmlands and resulted in trees falling in the 20th century.

The sailing ships in European countries are entirely made of wood from kauri trees.

The manufacturings of resin, varnishes, paints, or other ointments were made from gum.

Significance Of Kauri Trees

As depicted by European settlers, the paramount importance of giant kauri trees was simply products and profits. But the significance of these giant trees happens to be more than just the trunk and leaves.

Kauri is seen as Te Whakaruruhau by the Maori, and they consider it the great protector of the forest. This name also refers to other species that come under the shelter of kauri.

Many large kauri trees were given names and revered as chiefs of the forest.

Kauri also plays a significant role in Maori seeking the excellent health of the people.

Indigenous people used it to make war canoes that could hold 180 warriors.

Its timber was of the primary use for constructing boats. But the Maori valued the gum more than timber. They burned it as an insecticide, covered it in flax, and made torches for night-fishing.

Kauri Trees Identification and Habitat

Kauri trees precede an ancient family of conifers.

Kauri used to exist in New Zealand over 200 million years ago. It is found in northern latitude 38° south's sub-tropical forest and expands to a sea level of 1968.5 ft (600 m).

The upper areas of the north island cover corner spaces of indigenous kauri forests. They have a maximum lifespan of up to 1000 years. They scatter all over the forests with their branches and splittings inside the soil with the dense volume. The trees have existed since the Jurassic period, i.e., 135-190 million years.

Apart from North Island and the Coromandel Peninsula, with 5 mi (8 km) east of Tapu, kauri can be found in lesser quantity as many were deforested as its logs served so many purposes. In the East of Kaueranga Valley, dense kauri forests are spread across 9 mi (14.4 km).

We can find the natural generation of kauri on the Great Barrier Island along with kauri dams.

The bark, cones, and leaves of the kauri secrete the kauri gum that layers the tree to protect it from external threats.

The diseased areas of trees get recovered by gum filling and protection from the ill effects of insects.

Did You Know?

There are various benefits of construction seen from the logs. People with regional beliefs strive to protect these forests, but there is too much deforestation.

The forest departments and government strive to conserve these trees in New Zealand, with many such trees.

The branch notes secrete a gum that provides various uses and protection to damaged or diseased parts of the tree.

The European Settlers found the trees very useful in building or carving houseboats and made good use of them.

Kauri species hold a unique place in the Coromandel heritage. In 1971, the government promoted public recreation and conservation of these trees in New Zealand, and on that note, the Coromandel Forest Park was created.

Similarly, a proposal to develop the Kauri National Park was submitted in 2012. As per the investigation report, the Conservation Authority decided to create the national kauri forest in three geographically unique areas.

At this point, it is safe to say that the government and the conservation authorities have been consistently investing efforts to preserve these kauri species.

Now, tourists and travelers must maintain the forest area to yield benefits from these trees and enjoy the beauty it adds to the earth. Suppose you are interested in being a part of kauri conservation.

In that case, you can learn more about these ancient trees and their types, join conservation programs like 'Keep Kauri Standing,' and volunteer at various organizations.