Description
Araucaria
This remarkable geologically ancient genus consist of 19 species of evergreen coniferous trees from tropical rainforest occur where theirs a pronounced dry season like in Guinea, Australia, New Hebrides, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, and Brazil. The densely crowded overlapping leaves are spirally arranged and usually broadly triangular to needle-like. Male and female organs are on the same tree that first appear green maturing to brown. The female cones are spherical ovoid or ellipsoid with seeds fused to the bract scale, the male cones are conical or cylindrical both are usually found at the top of the trees.
Most are used for large gardens but can be grown indoors in soil-based potting mix in full light with good ventilation. In growing season water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks, keep just moist in winter.
Cold tolerance of the genus varies to each species; grow in moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun in an open protected site. It may be a fast grower if conditions are right.
Prone to needle necrosis, bleeding cankers, mealy bugs, and scale insects.
Araucaria angustifolia – Paranza Pine – Candelabra Tree – Parana Pine – This straight trunk tree grows to 100’ feet tall with wide spreading branches and derives from the plateaus of Southwestern Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. When it’s a mature tree it develops an umbrella shaped or mushroom like crown. The leaves are flat, prickly and sharp pointing and up to 2 ½” long. Adapts to climate from wet tropical to moderately cool and will tolerate a few degrees of frost. Seed cones are up to 6” in diameter and slightly less in length.
Zones 9-12
