ARAUCARIA PLANTS
Scientific Name: Araucaria spp
Common Names: Monkey Puzzle Tree, Norfolk Island Pine, Hoop Pine, Parana Pine
Description:
Araucaria is a genus of evergreen coniferous trees native to South America, Australia, and New Caledonia. They are known for their unique and prehistoric appearance, often referred to as “living fossils” due to their ancient lineage.
Size: Araucaria species vary greatly in size. Some, like the Araucaria araucana reach impressive heights of 30-40 meters maturity.
Trunk: They have a single, sturdy, and straight trunk that can be quite massive in larger species.
Leaves: The leaves are another defining feature. They are typically arranged in whorls around the branches and are stiff, triangular, and pointed.
Cones: Araucaria plants are dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female cones.
Uses:
- Ornamental: Some Araucaria species, like the Norfolk Island Pine are popular houseplants or landscape trees in warm climates due to their attractive and unique foliage.
- imber: Several Araucaria species, like the Parana Pine and Hoop Pine are commercially valuable for their high-quality timber used in construction and furniture making.
- Food: The seeds of some Araucaria species, like the Monkey Puzzle Tree are edible and considered a delicacy in certain regions.
