Monkey Puzzle Tree, Chilean pine
Araucaria araucana

Family: Araucariaceae

What it is like

A large tree. It grows 15-35 m tall and spreads to 6-9 m wide. The trunk can be 1.2 m across. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. The branches are in tiers or layers of 4-8 but have unusual shapes. The branches hang downwards at least near the base. The leaves are dark green and glossy with spines at the tip. They are large and bract like. They are arranged densely along the branches. The seed cones are spiky and take 3 years to mature. They are 10-15 cm long and at the ends of branches. The pollen cones are 8-12 cm long and occur in the axils of leaves. The seeds are very large and are 25-40 mm long. They are brown and ridged. They are attached to a scale.

There are 19 Araucaria species. There are 13 species in New Caledonia.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in sub-antarctic regions. It grows naturally in cool moist coastal and upland regions of Chile and Argentina. In Argentina it grows between 600-1,700 m above sea level. It can tolerate drought conditions. They need a well drained soil. It does best with cool misty summers. It can tolerate frost to -20°C. It suits hardiness zones 7-9. West Takone. Kyneton Botanical Gardens. Arboretum Tasmania. National Arboretum Canberra.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Andes, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Europe, Hawaii, India, Ireland, Mozambique, North America, Panama, South America, Tasmania, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

The seeds are boiled or roasted and eaten. They are also eaten raw. They are also used to make an alcoholic drink. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

Seeds are enjoyed in Chile. Estimates are that 3,400 tons of seeds are harvested for eating in Brazil.

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. The temperature needs to be above 20°C. They can also be grown from sprouts from stumps. It is necessary to have trees of both sexes for fruit to form.

Trees take 40 years until first nuts are produced.

Its other names

Local names

Chile nuts, Nguilliu, Pehuen, Pino araucaria, Pinon

Synonyms

Araucaria imbricata Pav.; Araucaria chilensis Mirb.; Araucaria dombeyi A. Rich.; and others