Araucaria angustifolia
Brazilian monkey-puzzle
A large, evergreen tree with a narrow, pyramidal habit when young, becoming more dome-shaped with age. Thick, triangular leaves, 3-6cm long with sharp edges and tips are arranged spirally on branchlets with those at the outer ends tending to be tufted. Male and female cones are usually borne on separate trees; the male cones are oblong and up to 18cm long whilst the female cones are globular in shape, 18-25cm in diameter, and remain maturing on the tree for up to three years after pollination
Synonyms
Araucaria brasiliensis
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Brown | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Brown | ||
| Autumn | Green | Brown | ||
| Winter | Green | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Araucariaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Araucaria are evergreen trees from the Southern Hemisphere, with whorled branches bearing spirally arranged leaves that may be needle-like, triangular or scale-like, and small male, and large female cones, usually on separate trees
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Brazil & Argentina
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil; prefers a slightly acidic soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in seedbed as soon as ripe; take semi-ripe cuttings of vertical shoot tips in midsummer and root in a cold frame, cuttings of horizontal side branches will not form an upright tree
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
Pruning
Pruning group 1; little or no pruning is required, as this can permanently spoil the shape of the tree
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
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