Huon Pine (Lagarostrobus franklinii)

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Partial shade
Frost limit: −12.2 °C

Cultivation

Requires a light, freely draining soil. Plants are only hardy in the milder areas of the country but this cannot be translated directly to British gardens because of our cooler summers and colder, wetter winters.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a freely draining compost. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 20°c. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible.

Edible uses

The source of an essential oil, called Huon pinewood oil, that has been recommended for the production of vanillin.

Material uses

The essential oil (see above) is also used in medicinal soaps, toilet water, as a preservative in casein paints etc. Wood - fairly hard, straight grained, light, soft, strong, aromatic. It is very durable, containing a strongly scented resin that repels insects. Used for construction, furniture etc.

Habitat

Banks of rivers and swampy flats to 750 metres.

Native range

Australia - S. and W. Tasmania.