Monkey Puzzle

Araucaria Araucana

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

Arboretum Location: The Muniment Room

Division: Shrub

Family: Araucariaceae

Origins: South America

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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.

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