Araucariaceae
Araucariaceae
Araucariaceae (pronunciation: /ˌɑːrɔːkɛəriˈeɪsiː/), also known as the Araucaria family, is a family of coniferous trees within the order Pinales. The family is named after the type genus Araucaria.
Etymology
The name Araucariaceae is derived from the type genus Araucaria, which in turn is named after the Arauco Indians of central Chile, where the genus is native. The Arauco Indians are known for their use of the tree's wood in their weaponry.
Description
Members of the Araucariaceae family are typically large trees with a massive erect stem, reaching a height of 30–80 m. The horizontal, spreading branches grow in whorls and are covered with leathery or needle-like leaves. These trees are well adapted to resist forest fires.
Genera
The Araucariaceae family includes three extant genera:
- Araucaria: This genus is found in New Guinea, Australia, New Caledonia, Argentina, and Chile. It includes the monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) and the Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla).
- Agathis: Also known as kauri pines, dammars, or kauris, this genus is native to the Southern Hemisphere, particularly in Australasia and the Pacific.
- Wollemia: This genus includes only one living species, the Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis), which was only discovered in 1994 in Australia.
Related Terms
- Coniferous Trees: Trees that produce cones and have needle-like leaves. They are mostly evergreen and include pines, spruces, and firs.
- Pinales: The order of coniferous trees that includes the Araucariaceae family.
- Arauco Indians: The indigenous people of central Chile and Argentina, after whom the Araucaria genus is named.
- Forest Fires: Uncontrolled fire in a forest or woodland area, which the Araucariaceae family is well adapted to resist.
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