Araucaria

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Araucaria

Araucaria (/ˌærəˈkɛəriə/), commonly known as the Monkey Puzzle Tree, Chilean Pine or Pehuén, is a genus of evergreen coniferous trees in the family Araucariaceae. There are 20 extant species in the Araucaria genus, with a highly disjunct global distribution in New Caledonia (where 13 species are endemic), Norfolk Island, eastern Australia, New Guinea, Argentina, Chile, and southern Brazil.

Etymology

The name Araucaria comes from the Arauco province in Chile where the Araucanians, a group of native South Americans, live. The Araucanians used the seeds of the tree as a staple food.

Description

Araucaria are large trees with a massive erect stem, reaching a height of 30–80 metres. The horizontal, spreading branches grow in whorls and are covered with leathery or needle-like leaves. In some species, the leaves are narrow, awl-shaped and lanceolate, barely overlapping each other, in others they are broad and flat, and overlap broadly.

Species

The genus is divided into three sections or subgenera, some of the most notable species include:

  • Araucaria araucana (Monkey Puzzle) - This is the hardiest species in the genus, able to tolerate severe winter cold.
  • Araucaria angustifolia (Paraná Pine) - This species is a significant source of Brazil's lumber.
  • Araucaria bidwillii (Bunya-Bunya) - This Australian species is notable for its large, edible seeds.
  • Araucaria cunninghamii (Hoop Pine) - This species is native to Australia and New Guinea and is used for timber.

Related Terms

  • Coniferous Trees - Trees that produce cones and have needle-like leaves.
  • Evergreen - Plants that retain their leaves throughout the year.
  • Endemic - Species that are native to a particular area and are not naturally found elsewhere.

External links

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