| Name |
KING WILLIAM PINE
(Athrotaxis Selaginoides)
Common Names: King William Pine, King Billy Pine |
| Distribution |
Endemic to Tasmania. It occurs in mountain regions
of the central plateau, extending almost to the
West coast. |
| The
Tree |
It is not a true pine, and is a distant relative
of the North American Redwoods. It is a medium to
tall tree, growing to over 30m. (100ft) in height,
and 2m. (6ft) in diameter. Often a long clear trunk
with small tufted crown. In exposed conditions it
can be small, twisted, shrublike, hugging the ground.
The foliage is not unlike that of the Hoop Pine.
The bark is thick, soft and spongy; the cones are
very small, being only about 15mm. (5/8 in.) in
length. It is very fire prone, and does not regenerate
well. There are some excellent specimens in the
Cradle Mountains National Park. |
| The
Timber |
Very lightweight. The sapwood is yellow, heartwood
is pink to reddish brown. It is very soft, fine
textured with close prominent growth rings and is
easily split. |
| Seasoning |
Seasons very readily with little shrinkage or
distortion |
| Durability |
It is very durable and rot resistant. |
| Uses |
Boat building, joinery, shingles, sounding boards
in musical instruments, vats. It can be turned,
but because of its softness, it tears on end grain. |
| Working
Qualities |
It planes and cuts very well. Because of its softness
it bruises easily. It has good bending properties. |
| Availiability |
Now extremely scarce |
| by
Keith Newbury, Newsletter of Woodgroup South Australia |
