Araucaria bidwillii
bunya pine
Overview
Araucaria bidwillii is a large evergreen conifer reaching 100-150 feet (30-45 m) tall with a straight trunk and a dome-shaped crown that becomes distinctly rounded with age. The leaves are stiff, glossy, dark green, lance-shaped and sharp-pointed, 0.8-2 inches (2-5 cm) long, spirally arranged and crowded along the branches. Branches are held in regular tiers, the lower ones shed as the tree ages so the crown sits high on a clean trunk. Large female cones, 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long and weighing up to 22 pounds (10 kg), ripen high in the crown over about 17 months and break apart on falling to release seeds 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) long with an edible kernel. The falling cones are heavy enough to damage what is beneath them. The tree grows slowly to a long-lived size in rainforest and is grown as a specimen in parks and large gardens, where its size and shed cones keep it to open ground.
Native Range
Native to southeastern Queensland, Australia, with small outlying populations in northern Queensland. Grows in subtropical rainforest on fertile, well-drained soils from the lowlands to about 3,300 feet (1,000 m).Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen tree in large parks, gardens, and rural properties with room for its height and spread, set well clear of paths and structures. Used historically as a source of edible seeds, which are roasted or boiled. The heavy cones and eventual size keep it out of small gardens and street planting.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height100' - 150'
Width/Spread30' - 50'
Reaches mature size in approximately 50 years
Bloom Information
Produces no flowers. Pollen cones and seed cones form on separate branches; seed cones ripen over about 17 months and fall in late summer and autumn, mainly January to March, in cycles that bring heavy crops every few years.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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