Lagarostrobos

Lagarostrobos is a monotypic genus of coniferous trees in the family Podocarpaceae. The sole species in this genus is Lagarostrobos franklinii, commonly known as the Huon pine. This species is endemic to Tasmania, Australia, where it is found primarily in the southwest. Huon pine is a slow-growing tree that can reach considerable ages, with some individuals estimated to be over 10,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living organisms on Earth. The tree typically grows in wet, cool temperate rainforests, often in areas with poor drainage.

The Huon pine is characterized by its distinctive foliage, which is flattened and arranged in sprays. The leaves are small and scale-like, with a glaucous underside. The tree produces small, woody cones that are dioecious, meaning individual trees are either male or female. The seed-bearing cones are fleshy and berry-like when mature, containing a single seed. The wood of the Huon pine is highly valued for its durability, resistance to decay, and aromatic properties, making it historically significant for shipbuilding, furniture making, and other woodworking applications. Due to over-exploitation in the past, the species is now protected, and harvesting is strictly controlled. Efforts are in place for conservation and the propagation of this unique Tasmanian conifer.