8. Kauri landscape
North Island, New Zealand

Kauri (Agathis australis) trees are endemic to the North Island of New Zealand. They were once extensive in the northern part of the island, but because of logging and forest burning only small pockets of mature kauri remain today. These long-lived conifers produce very thick piles (up to 1 m) of litter around the trunk. The large quantity of litter and associated leachates strongly affect both the chemistry and morphology of the "egg-cup" Spodosols that form beneath.

The kauri shown here is estimated to be approximately 2000 years old and is the largest living specimen in New Zealand. It is known as Tane Mahuta, which means 'Lord of the Forest' in Maori. The trunk has a girth of 13.8 m and a height of 51.5 m.