Huon Pine is found along Tasmanian river systems at altitudes of 150 to 600 m (500–2,000 feet). The tree is straight-trunked, pyramidal, 21 to 30 metres tall, and to 1 m in stem diameter. The trees have been overexploited over the years, because the timber is one of the very best for boat-building having a natural resistance to rot. Mature trees are very old. A mature tree was found growing over the trunk of a long dead tree and core samples were taken from both trees. Both trees were in excess of 2000 years old and it must be assumed that the fallen one fell before the live tree started to grow. That means that the core of the fallen tree dated back 4000 years and the wood was apparently still in good condition. Because of the past exploitation, mature trees are not common now, but there are large numbers of small trees growing, particularly along the banks of the Gordon river. It is however a very slow growing tree and these young trees will not be harvestable within a human lifetime.
Today, the quality of Huon Pine continues to be recognised, but its supply is carefully nurtured and controlled. Almost all Huon Pine forests are reserved and much of the resource
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that is available comes from logs salvaged from rivers, the forest floor and areas inundated
by hydro electric schemes. Supply is about 500 cu.metres per year for craft and furniture industries for the next fifty years and is available from specialist saw millers on the West Coast of Tasmania with a tradition in Huon Pine milling.
Colour / Pattern
The richness of its golden colour and figure make it one of the world's most desirable furniture and veneering timbers. Its durability and workability make it one of the best boat-building timbers known. The wood contains a natural preserving oil with an unmistakable perfume, and its fine and even grain makes the wood exceptionally easy to work with hand tools.
Uses
Boat building, craft and high end joinery.
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