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Tree Information x
| Identifier: | NR/1365 |
|---|---|
| Tree Type: | Single |
| Registered By: | Smillie, M.J. |
| Registration Category: | Notable tree – National interest |
| General Notes:
|
Rakaunui was the 4th largest tree in the Omahuta kauri sanctuary when it was formed in 1951, but is now the 2nd largest tree, after Hokianga (NR/0803), since the fall of the Kopi and Taniwha trees. The neighbouring lower Ngatuahine "Sister" tree has also recently fallen, clearing out some of the forest in front of Rakaunui, providing an impressive view of the tree, but exposing it to further risk of wind-throw.
The name of the tree is a back-translation of "rākau nui", or "big tree". "Rākaunui" in Te Reo actually translates to "full moon". The girth of the tree was not directly measured, to protect the delicate shallow feeding roots of the kauri and to reduce the risk of contamination by Kauri die-back disease. The 1971 New Zealand Forest Service measurement, reported by Sale, was used. [Smillie 2016] Reference: E. V. Sale, Quest for the Kauri, 1978. |
Single Tree Details
| Genus: | Agathis | |
|---|---|---|
| Species: | australis | |
| Common names: | kauri, | |
| Given Name: | Rakaunui | |
| Height: | 49.00m | |
| Height measurement method: | Laser Nikon Forestry 550 | |
| Height Comments: | Highest top was dead wood. Highest live foliage was at 47 m. | |
| Girth: | 861 cm | |
| Girth measurement height: | 1.37 m | |
| Girth Comments: | Taken from 1971 measurements | |
| Diameter: | 274.1 cm | |
| Crown Spread A: | 23.50m | |
| Crown Spread B: | 23.50m | |
| Avg. Crown Spread: | 23.50m | |
| Actual Planting Date: | actual date not specified | |
| Approx. Planting Date: |
e.g. circa. 1860 |
|
| Current Age: | not known years | |
| Tree Health Description: | Significant dead wood in the crown shows that the tree is in decline. | |
| Tree Form Type: | Single Trunk | |
| Number of Trunks: | 1 | |
| Tree Form Comments: | Tall 22 m bole with noticeable spiral fluting | |
| Champion Tree Score: | 519 | |
| Local Protection Status: | Yes | |
| Tree Present: | Yes | |
| STEM Score: | 0 |
Observations
| Date | Observer | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 23 Apr 2016 | Smillie, M.J. |
Location
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Images
| Preview | Credit | Date |
|---|---|---|
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Matt Smillie | 23 Apr 2016 |
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Matt Smillie | 23 Apr 2016 |
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Matt Smillie | 23 Apr 2016 |