Huon Pine
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Totara family (Podocarpaceae)
10,000 year old shrubs
This conifer is not related to any other species and sits in its own genus. The Huon pine occurs naturally only in Tasmania and is rarely grown in gardens. In the wild the slow-growing trees become tall but when cultivated they mostly retain a shrub-like habit, as they do in the higher vegetation zones of Tasmania.
Their naturally arching branches are striking; the main trunk also arches. The wood is very compact and sought after, especially for boat building. Over time all the big trees have been felled. The oldest was found to be 2300 years old but they can be much older: the arching branches can root themselves and this results in a clone of genetically identical trees and shrubs. The oldest ones are 10,000 years old.
Themes
Crown jewel in the Blijdenstein Pinetum.
Part of the Dutch National Conifer Collection.
Fragrant; contains resin.
Wood is used as timber.
Details
Description: | Conifer, 21-30 m tall, 70-100 cm in diameter. |
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Distributions: | Tasmania |
Habitat: | Temperate mountain vegetation. |
Year cycle: | Perennial (polycarpic evergreen) |
Hardiness: | 5 - 14 f (hardy - cold winter) |
Flowering period: | April - mei |
Flower color: | Not applicable |
Fruiting period: | Mei - juni |