Araucaria araucana
The monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) is a special tree for coastal BC related to the Norfolk Island pine.
The monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) hails from a geologically ancient genus of plants which includes the familiar houseplant Norfolk Island Pine. The common name of this remarkable species refers to the consternation a monkey might experience trying to climb through the hard, spikey foliage. Its requirement of a climate with both mild winters and mild summers makes this a special tree for coastal BC. Elsewhere grow in a pot and keep above freezing in winter. The photo of wild monkey puzzles was taken by Phoenix Perennials owner Gary Lewis on his botanizing trip to Chile. In cultivation the trunks remain clad quite low down on the trunk with branches as opposed to the umbrella shapes seen in the wild.
Common Name: Monkey Puzzle Tree
Family: Araucariaceae (The Araucaria Family)
Zone Hardiness: 8-9
Light: Full Sun
Height: 40' and over
Width: 10' and over
Primary Bloom Colour: Green
Secondary Bloom Colour:
Foliage Colour: Green
Class: Evergreen
Type: Shrub
Bloom Time:
Soil Moisture: Average
Stem Colour:
Fragrance: No
Berries: Green
Benefits:
Deer Resistant: Yes
BC Native: No
Native Habitat: Lower slopes of the Chilean and Argentinian south-central Andes, typically above 1000m, in regions with heavy snowfall in winter. Soils with good drainage.
Award:
Geographical Origin:
