Lagarostrobos

Lagarostrobos
Temporal range:
Paleocene to recent 66–0 Ma
Huon pine in a Tasmanian botanical garden
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Gymnospermae
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Araucariales
Family: Podocarpaceae
Genus: Lagarostrobos
Quinn
Species:
L. franklinii
Binomial name
Lagarostrobos franklinii
(Hook.f.) Quinn

Lagarostrobos franklinii is a species of conifer native to the wet southwestern corner of Tasmania, Australia. It is often known as the Huon pine or Macquarie pine, although it is actually a podocarp (Podocarpaceae), not a true pine (Pinaceae).[2][1] It is the sole species in the genus Lagarostrobos; one other species L. colensoi (endemic to New Zealand) formerly included has been transferred to a new genus Manoao. The genus was also formerly included in a broader circumscription of the genus Dacrydium.[3]

In molecular phylogenetic analyses Lagorostrobos was found to be related to Parasitaxus (a parasitic and monotypic genus from New Caledonia) and Manoao, but their exact relationships are unresolved.[4]

The wood is highly prized for its golden yellow colour, fine grain, and natural oils that resist rotting. The chemical giving the timber its unique smell and preservative qualities is methyl eugenol.

It has been planted in the grounds of Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland and has done well. Two healthy specimens can also be found at Torosay Castle, Isle of Mull.[5]

  1. ^ a b Farjon, A. (2013). "Lagarostrobos franklinii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T34153A2848138. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T34153A2848138.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ Molloy, B. P. J. (1995). "Manoao (Podocarpaceae), a new monotypic conifer genus endemic to New Zealand". New Zealand Journal of Botany. 33 (2): 183–201. Bibcode:1995NZJB...33..183M. doi:10.1080/0028825x.1995.10410483.
  3. ^ Quinn, C. J. (1982). "Taxonomy of Dacrydium Sol. ex Lamb". Australian Journal of Botany. 30 (3): 311–320. doi:10.1071/bt9820311.
  4. ^ Sinclair, W. T., R. R. Mill, M. F. Gardner, P. Woltz, T. Jaffré, J. Preston, M. L. Hollingsworth, A. Ponge, and M. Möller. (2002) Evolutionary Relationships of the New Caledonian Heterotrophic Conifer Parasitaxus Ustus (Podocarpaceae), Inferred from Chloroplast trnL-F Intron/Spacer and Nuclear ITS2 Sequences. Plant Systematics and Evolution 233: 79–104.
  5. ^ "Half-hardy trees in Britain and Ireland - part two". Royal Horticultural Society. Archived from the original on 2013-03-11. Retrieved 2009-06-18.