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Monkey Puzzle Tree

Araucaria araucana

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Pinales
Family:
Araucariaceae (Araucarians)
Type:
Evergreen tree
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
30 metres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, parks, woodland.
Flower:
Male and female catkins appear on separate trees. The males appear after the tree is 150 years old and the females after 50 years. Flowers seldom seen but look a little like large scaly pine cones.
Fruit:
Orange to brown, oblong-triangular seeds (nuts) with papery wings. The long and narrow seeds are each about the size of an almond.
Leaves:
An evergreen tree. Very distinctive and unmistakable. Whorls of dark green spiny leaves, triangular in shape.
Other Names:
Chile Pine, Chilean Pine, Monkey Tail Tree.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Other Information

Summary

Araucaria araucana, commonly known as the monkey puzzle tree, is a species of evergreen tree that is native to the Andes Mountains of South America, specifically in Argentina and Chile. It is an iconic and long-lived tree, that can grow up to 40m tall. It is known for its distinctive and unusual appearance, with its sharp, spiky leaves and symmetrical shape. The leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern on the branches, and they are tough and leathery. The tree produces large cones that contain its seeds. The tree is also known as the monkey tail tree, and the Chilean pine.

Araucaria araucana has been widely cultivated as an ornamental tree and is grown in many parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Australasia. It is also used for timber and as a Christmas tree. Due to its slow growth, it is a protected species in its native range and it's also considered as an endangered species.


Blog

The Monkey Puzzle tree, or Araucaria araucana, is a fascinating and unique tree native to the Andes Mountains in South America. It is known for its striking appearance, with branches that grow in a spiral pattern and sharp, needle-like leaves that give it a prehistoric look.

The Monkey Puzzle tree is an ancient species that dates back to the time of the dinosaurs. It has survived multiple ice ages and has managed to adapt to changing environmental conditions over millions of years. Despite its ability to survive in harsh conditions, the Monkey Puzzle tree is now considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and over-exploitation.

One of the most interesting features of the Monkey Puzzle tree is its cone. The female cones are large, heavy, and can weigh up to 10 pounds. They take several years to mature and are only produced on mature trees. The cones are not only important for reproduction, but they have also been used by indigenous peoples in the Andes for food and medicinal purposes.

The wood of the Monkey Puzzle tree is prized for its strength and durability, and it has been used for centuries for construction and furniture-making. Unfortunately, this has led to over-exploitation of the species, and it is now protected in many countries.

The Monkey Puzzle tree is also known for its unique relationship with a type of fungus called mycorrhizae. The fungus lives in the roots of the tree and helps the tree to absorb nutrients from the soil. In return, the tree provides the fungus with carbohydrates that it produces through photosynthesis. This symbiotic relationship is crucial to the survival of the Monkey Puzzle tree, as it allows it to thrive in nutrient-poor soils.

Despite its name, the Monkey Puzzle tree is not actually a preferred food source for monkeys. The name is thought to have originated from an Englishman who saw the tree for the first time and remarked that it would puzzle a monkey to climb it.

In addition to its unique appearance and fascinating biology, the Monkey Puzzle tree has also been the subject of cultural significance. In Chile, where the tree is native, it is known as the "Pehuén" and has been an important part of the indigenous Mapuche culture for centuries. The Mapuche use the nuts of the tree as a staple food, and the tree has been an important symbol of their culture and identity.

The Monkey Puzzle tree is a remarkable and ancient species that has managed to survive for millions of years in harsh and changing environmental conditions. Its unique appearance, biology, and cultural significance make it a fascinating subject for study and appreciation. As we continue to face environmental challenges such as climate change and habitat loss, it is important that we work to protect and conserve species like the Monkey Puzzle tree, which are not only valuable in their own right, but also have much to teach us about survival and adaptation.

The Monkey Puzzle tree, Araucaria araucana, is a slow-growing evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters) in its native habitat. It grows best in cool, temperate climates with plenty of rainfall and well-drained soils. In cultivation, it can be grown in a variety of climates, but it requires a long growing season and protection from extreme temperatures.

The Monkey Puzzle tree is a dioecious species, which means that there are separate male and female trees. The male cones are smaller and more elongated than the female cones, and they produce pollen that is carried by the wind to the female cones for fertilization.

The seeds of the Monkey Puzzle tree are large and edible, and they have been an important food source for indigenous peoples in the Andes for centuries. The nuts are high in protein and can be roasted, boiled, or ground into a flour for use in cooking. The nuts are also an important symbol of wealth and status in some Andean cultures, and they are sometimes used in traditional ceremonies.

The Monkey Puzzle tree has been introduced to many parts of the world as an ornamental plant, and it is now grown in gardens and parks in many countries. It is prized for its unique appearance and its ability to add a prehistoric touch to any landscape. However, it is important to note that the Monkey Puzzle tree can become quite large and may not be suitable for smaller gardens.

In recent years, the Monkey Puzzle tree has become the subject of conservation efforts due to its vulnerable status in the wild. Habitat loss, over-exploitation, and climate change are all threats to the survival of the species. In Chile, where the tree is native, efforts are being made to protect the remaining populations and to promote sustainable harvesting of the nuts. In other parts of the world, the Monkey Puzzle tree is being grown in botanical gardens and arboreta as a way to conserve the genetic diversity of the species.

The Monkey Puzzle tree is not only fascinating from a scientific and cultural perspective, but it also has practical uses. The wood of the Monkey Puzzle tree is one of the strongest and most durable woods in the world, and it has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history. The Mapuche people of the Andes have used the wood for building houses, making tools, and even carving statues. The wood has also been used for shipbuilding, furniture-making, and construction in other parts of the world.

Unfortunately, the over-exploitation of the Monkey Puzzle tree has led to a decline in its populations. In some areas, the tree has been cut down for its wood, and in others, the seeds have been over-harvested for food. In addition, habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change is also a threat to the survival of the species.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining populations of the Monkey Puzzle tree. In Chile, the species is protected by law, and efforts are being made to promote sustainable harvesting of the nuts and to conserve the genetic diversity of the species. In other parts of the world, the tree is being grown in botanical gardens and arboreta as a way to conserve the species and to educate the public about its importance.

In addition to its practical uses and conservation value, the Monkey Puzzle tree is also a popular ornamental plant. Its unique appearance and slow growth make it an interesting addition to gardens and parks, and it is often used as a specimen tree. However, it is important to note that the tree can become quite large and may not be suitable for all gardens.

In conclusion, the Monkey Puzzle tree, Araucaria araucana, is a remarkable and unique species with much to offer in terms of biology, culture, and practical uses. Its ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions and its importance to indigenous cultures make it a valuable subject for scientific study and conservation efforts. As we continue to face environmental challenges in the years ahead, it is important that we work to protect and conserve species like the Monkey Puzzle tree, which have much to offer in terms of both practical value and cultural significance.