Agathis moorei aka White Kauri

Agathis moorei is an evergreen tree from New Caledonia. Its common names include Pacific kauri and Moore kauri. It belongs to the Araucariaceae family. It grows in wet tropical forests, mainly at low elevations. Tall trees rise above the surrounding rainforest canopy. Most grow on ground that lacks ultramafic rock. The species faces threats from logging and forest loss.

In cultivation, expect a tree around 82 feet (25 metres) tall. Its spread can reach 23 feet (7 metres). Some accounts give heights of 98 feet (30 metres). The crown has a rounded shape, and growth is moderate. The trunk grows straight and can lack low branches. Its clear length may reach 66 feet (20 metres). Trunk width ranges from about 2–4 feet (0.6–1.2 metres). Leaves grow in opposite pairs, with each pair crossing the next. They measure about two inches long and less than half an inch wide. Oval cones reach about six inches long and five inches wide. They break apart when ripe and release winged seeds. Wind carries the pollen.

Young trees grow best with shade and shelter from woodland. They need more light as they gain size. Sources report tolerance of full shade through to full sun. The soil should stay moist but drain well. Sand, loam, and clay can all suit this tree. It accepts mildly acid or neutral soil, including nutrient-poor ground. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12 and warns of frost damage. Its size and frost sensitivity limit its garden use. It also offers value for wildlife.

Fresh seed provides one way to raise new trees. Seed must not dry out and stores for about two months. It needs no treatment before sowing. Germination can start within six days of sowing. Cuttings from leading shoots offer another means of propagation. PFAF lists the seeds as edible, with a low food-use rating. Useful Tropical Plants records no known edible use instead. Both sources report no known hazards or medicinal uses. These reports do not establish safety for people or pets.

The pale wood serves for furniture, cabinets, panels, and boxes. It is light, soft, and easy to work. Dry-wood borers, termites, and fungi can damage the timber. These reports concern wood durability, not disease in garden trees. Useful Tropical Plants reports a Vulnerable assessment from 2013. Heavy timber harvest has reduced wild populations. Fires and land clearance also split up its forest habitat. These pressures leave fewer chances for new trees to establish.