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Huon pine

Scientific Name: Dacrydium franklinii

Family: Podocarpaceae

Category: Gymnosperm

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Huon Pine (Lagarostrobos franklinii)

The Huon Pine, scientifically known as Lagarostrobos franklinii, is a remarkable conifer native to Tasmania, Australia. It's also commonly referred to as Macquarie pine.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • The plant has been traditionally used as timber and for its aromatic wood, which may present potential interest to pets or children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Lagarostrobos franklinii
  • Common Names: Huon Pine, Macquarie Pine, Rimu, New Zealand Red Pine.
  • Family: Podocarpaceae
  • Genus: Lagarostrobos (it is the only member of this genus)
  • Synonyms: Dacrydium franklinii

Distribution and Habitat

  • Endemic to Tasmania, Australia.
  • Primarily found in the wet, temperate rainforests of southwestern Tasmania.
  • Mainly occurs along rivers in the southwestern part of the state.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • The timber is durable.
  • The heartwood is pale straw, becoming yellow after long exposure.
  • Sapwood is very narrow and hard to distinguish.
  • Texture is very fine.
  • It is a slow-growing tree.
  • Leaves are scalelike.
  • Wood is fragrant and soft.

Quirky Facts

  • Some individual Huon Pines are thought to be over 2200 years old.
  • One stand of Huon Pine in Tasmania is estimated to be 10,500 years old and is considered the world's oldest clonal tree.
  • The wood has a rich creamy yellow to golden color, making it desirable for furniture and veneering.

Ecological Role

  • It is very fire sensitive and only grows in fire-free areas.

Traditional Uses

  • The timber is famous as an extremely durable boat-building material.
  • Its fragrant, soft wood is used for furniture and cabinetry.
  • The wood is aromatic and wavy-grained, used for carving and shipbuilding.

Further Information

  • TripAdvisor provides information and advice for travellers visiting Tasmania to see Huon Pines.
  • ARKive offers photos and facts about the Huon Pine.