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 araucana – Araucaria imbricata – Monkey Puzzle Tree – Chilean Pine – This coniferous tree is found on volcanic slopes on the Chilean side of the Andes and into Argentina at high altitudes up to 6,000’ feet and grows 50-80’ feet tall and 20-30’ feet wide. This tree forms a conical shape and are very symmetrical when young then with maturity rounded and loses its lower branches. It bears radial arranged triangular-ovate leathery bright green then dark green overlapping 2” long leaves are fiercely prickly. Leaves may hold up to 10-15 years before shedding. The bark is tough, horizontally ridged dark gray-brown and matures to 4’ feet in diameter. Female globular cones are ovoid to 3-6” long and ripen over 2-3 years. Male cones are ovoid to cylindrical and to 6” long. Seeds are edible. This tree enjoyed fad status in Britain in the 1840’s; the remark was ‘it would puzzle a monkey to climb it’.
Zones 6-11
