Araucaria araucana

Araucariaceae

Monkey Puzzle Tree

Evergreen conifer tree to 25m high. Young plants are conical, with the crown retreating over time to leave an exposed lower trunk. Leaves are glossy, dark green, rigid and very sharp, occurring in whorls. Male cones are 8-12cm long; female cones are 10-16cm long.

Uses

Ornamental tree suitable for large gardens and parks. Timber is used for building.

Culture

Prefers full sun, cool summers and deep, fertile and moist soils. Will tolerate poor soils and dry conditions, but growth will be slowed. Resistant to frost and salt winds. Avoid pruning terminal growth.

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring.

Cultivars

None available.

Plant Health

Susceptible to sap sucking insects such as scale and mealy bug. Blight and crown gall may also be a problem.

More info

Book: ‘Growing Conifers’ by John Mason is available through http://www.acsgarden.com/shop/ Courses on Conifers and Landscape Design are available through Australian Correspondence Schools, see http://www.acs.edu.au/hort

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