Five year results from a mixed-species spacing trial with six subtropical rainforest tree species

Results from a mixed-species spacing trial of six rainforest species (Agathis robusta, Grevillea robusta, Flindersia schottiana, Flindersia australis, Elaeocarpus grandis, Gmelina leichhardtii) in NSW (29°S) indicate that Elaeocarpus grandis and Grevillea robusta exhibit the best growth to age 5 years. All six species are high-value cabinet-making timbers with potential for plantation development. Elaeocarpus grandis had low survival (31%) because of browsing damage. Diameter growth rates of Agathis robusta and Gmelina leichhardtii were sensitive to spacing, with the best growth occurring at a spacing of 3 m × 3 m.