Agathis dammara aka Amboina Pitch Tree

Agathis dammara, or Amboina pine, is a large evergreen tree. It belongs to the Araucariaceae family. Its native range runs from the Philippines to Maluku. Sources also place it in Sulawesi, Indonesia. It grows in wet tropical forests, on lowlands and mountains. Mature trees rise above the surrounding forest canopy. Useful Tropical Plants treats it as distinct from Agathis philippinensis. Confusion between these names can affect plant records.

The tree forms a tall cone that narrows toward its top. Sources give a usual upper height of 164 feet [50 metres]. Rare trees reach about 213 feet [65 metres]. PFAF lists a spread of about 49 feet [15 metres]. The long trunk can reach 6 feet [1.8 metres] across. Its bark has scales and a fibrous texture. Growth proceeds at a moderate rate. Its great size is a key feature in landscape use.

This tree relies on wind for pollination. It bears cones, and its seeds have wings. Fresh seed needs care because drying harms it. Under normal storage, it lasts little more than two months. PFAF reports that germination can start within six days. Most viable seed may sprout within ten days. Growers can also raise plants from cuttings of leading shoots. These methods provide stock for planting and forest renewal.

Warmth, moisture, and good drainage suit this tropical tree. PFAF places it in USDA zones 10–11 and notes frost damage. Young plants need shade and shelter like a woodland provides. Older trees grow well in sun. It accepts sand, loam, and clay, including soils low in nutrients. It also tolerates a wide range of soil pH. Keep the soil moist while allowing air around the roots. The roots are sensitive to low oxygen levels. Its preferred daytime temperatures fall between 28 and 34°C.

People grow Amboina pine for ornament, timber, and dammar resin. Planting schemes also use it to restore depleted forests. The resin serves in varnishes, enamels, and indoor finishes. Manufacturers once used it to make linoleum. People burn the bark to deter mosquitoes. PFAF lists no known edible parts or specific medicinal uses. It reports no known hazards, rather than proof of safety. Useful Tropical Plants reports a Vulnerable listing from 2011. Heavy harvest and poor regrowth threaten remaining stands.