Klinki in Bulolo Valley

It is not known whether currently there exists 88.9 m tall (or taller) Klinki pine - but it existed in 1941. Back then such a tree was measured and later mentioned in a classical ecology book by Paul W.Richards "The Tropical Rain Forest: An Ecological Study" which was issued in 1952.

Since then the fact that such a tall araucaria might exist in Papua New Guinea has been repeated in many scientific works, notably in article by Gray B. (Size composition and regeneration of Araucaria stands in New Guinea) in 1975.

There is little dooubt that klinki pine is the tallest of all araucarias. This tree grows in Madang, Morobe and Eastern Highlands Provinces of Papua New Guinea, in mountain sides and ridges.

The wood of klinki has outstanding qualities and this beautiful araucaria is widely exploited, it is cut also by slash&burn agriculture. As a result this tree is becoming more rare and nowadays natural stands can be found in more remote areas.

These trees are very impressive. Average diameter of klinki in oldgrowth stands is 200cm and more! Trees in such stand are at least 55m tall, often exceeding 70m height.

The fantastic 89.9m tree was measured near Bulolo. Currently in Bulolo has been established an important forestry industry with large plantations of klinki pine. Happily natural stands of this tree are not too rare.

Wondermondo has marked a beautiful stand of klinki pine in Wau Gorge some 15km from Bulolo. No one knows whether here are 90m tall trees - but it is definitely worth to check it out!

Map

See Klinki in Bulolo Valley on the map of Papua New Guinea!

References

1. Gray B. Size composition and regeneration of Araucaria stands in New Guinea. Journal of Ecology (British Ecological Society), 63: 273-289.

Klinki in Bulolo Valley is included in the following list:

10 tallest tree species of the world