Agathis spathulata

Agathis spathulata
Conservation status
Near Threatened (IUCN 2.3)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Pinophyta
Class:	Pinopsida
Order:	Pinales
Family:	Araucariaceae
Genus:	Agathis
Species:	A. spathulata
Binomial name
Agathis spathulata de Laub.

Agathis spathulata (New Guinea Kauri) is a species of Agathis native to the highlands of eastern Papua New Guinea, occurring at altitudes of 900-1980 m. Although long known, it has only relatively recently (1980) been distinguished from Agathis robusta, being described first as a subspecies of it, Agathis robusta subsp. nesophila Whitm., and subsequently separated as a distinct species Agathis spathulata in 1988. It is threatened by habitat loss.

It is a large evergreen tree growing up to 60 m tall. The leaves are in decussate opposite pairs, 7-10 cm long and 18-30 mm broad on mature trees, up to 13 cm long and 45 mm broad on young trees. The cones are oval, 8.5-10 cm long and 6.5-7.5 cm diameter, and disintegrate at maturity to release the winged seeds.

References

• Conifer Specialist Group 1998. Agathis spathulata. Downloaded on 10 July 2007.
• de Laubenfels, D. J. (1988). Coniferales. In van Steenis & de Wilde (eds.), Flora Malesiana 10: 337-453.
• Whitmore, T. C. (1980). "A monograph of Agathis". Pl. Syst. Evol 135: 41–69. doi:10.1007/BF00983006.