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 heterophylla – Araucaria excelsa – Norfolk Island Pine – Araucaria excelsa of gardens – This fast growing conical coniferous tree with distinctive symmetrical tree form coastal regions of Norfolk Island grows 80-200’ feet tall and just 20-25’ feet wide. Best known as houseplant. On young trees leaves are narrowly wedge shaped, light green to ½” long, on mature trees they are crowded scale like sharply bent back up to ¼” long. Female cones are spherical and are up to 4” long, and male cones are 1 ½-3” long in cylindrical shape. They’re able to thrive in deep sands, they need reliable water when young but can tolerate dry spells once establish and tolerant to shade when young and can be long lasting in pots. Also tolerate to salt laden winds.
Zones 9-11
