About

Monkey Puzzle

Araucaria araucana, known as the monkey puzzle tree, is a distinctive evergreen native to the Andes in South America. It boasts unique upward-reaching branches covered in overlapping, scale-like leaves.
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The Appearance

A large evergreen conifer with a distinctive, symmetrical shape and stiff, spiky leaves. It can grow up to 130 feet tall.


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The Produce

Its large cones produce edible seeds called piñones, historically important to indigenous peoples.


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The Flowers

Produces small, inconspicuous flowers, with female cones developing into large, rounded seed cones.


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The Leaves

Each leaf is dark green and can measure around 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 cm) in length.


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The Bark

The bark is dark gray and rough, becoming more fissured with age.


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The Habitat

Prefers well-drained soils and full sun. Commonly found in gardens and parks as a specimen tree.


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The Ecology

Provides habitat for various wildlife, including birds and small mammals. The seeds are edible and a food source for wildlife.


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The Culture

Valued for its unique appearance and used as an ornamental tree. The seeds are edible and were historically harvested by indigenous peoples.


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Fun Facts

The Monkey Puzzle tree is named for its unusual and spiky appearance, which was said to puzzle monkeys attempting to climb it.

Explore Deeper With The Interactive Map

Unleash your inner explorer with our interactive map of the Arboretum. This live map labels the location of every tree in the arboretum, providing detailed information on each one.

Dive into the fascinating stories behind each tree, learn about their origins, characteristics, and unique attributes. The interactive map is your perfect companion for an engaging and educational adventure. Discover the rich tapestry of nature with just a few clicks!

Interactive Map

Arboretum Index