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Araucaria araucana
Monkey Puzzle Tree
Volcanic slopes and mountain ranges of south-central Chile and adjacent Argentina at 2,300-5,900 feet (700-1,800 m)
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Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
7 - 9These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Araucaria araucana is an upright coniferous tree in the family Araucariaceae, a lineage dating to the Jurassic period (200+ million years). Trees grow 50–80 feet (15–24 m) tall and 20–30 feet (6–9 m) wide. Leaves are dark green, stiff, broadly triangular, sharp-spined, scale-like, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, densely overlapping in a spiral pattern that completely covers the branches and upper trunk. Individual leaves persist 10–15 years. The tree is dioecious: female trees produce barrel-shaped cones 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) containing 100–200 edible seeds (piñones) 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long — a traditional Mapuche staple food harvested in February–March in the Southern Hemisphere. Male trees produce cylindrical catkin-like cones 3–5 inches (7–13 cm). Cones take 2–3 years to mature. Wind-pollinated; both male and female trees are required for seed production. At maturity, lower branches shed naturally, and the crown becomes flat-topped and umbrella-shaped. Growth rate is slow. The species is native to volcanic slopes and mountain ranges of south-central Chile and adjacent Argentina at 2,300–5,900 feet (700–1,800 m) and is threatened in the wild by logging and fire. Hardy to about 0°F (−18°C). The sharp-spined leaves covering every branch are a serious puncture hazard at handling and pedestrian height.
Native Range
Native to volcanic slopes and mountain ranges of south-central Chile and adjacent Argentina at 2,300–5,900 feet (700–1,800 m).Suggested Uses
Grown as a large architectural coniferous specimen in zones 7–9. Standard spacing is 20–30 feet (6–9 m) from adjacent trees and structures. The sharp-spined leaf coverage on all branches is a puncture hazard within reach of pedestrians; standard placement is well back from walkways and play areas. Dioecious: both male and female trees are needed for edible seed production. The species is threatened in the wild.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height50' - 80'
Width/Spread20' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 50 years
Bloom Information
Not applicable — wind-pollinated conifer. Dioecious: male trees produce cylindrical catkin-like cones 3–5 inches (7–13 cm); female trees produce barrel-shaped cones 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) containing 100–200 edible seeds. Cones take 2–3 years to mature. Both male and female trees are required for seed production.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark green, stiff, broadly triangular, sharp-spined, scale-like, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), densely overlapping in spiral patternGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight