Bomen-trees Araucaria auracana - Monkey Puzzle Tree

• Article number: ARAAR01

Araucaria auracana is a pine tree that has it's origin in South America. Specifically in the far south of Argentina and Chile. The tree is named after the local Arauco indians.

In these parts of the world the tree has a threatened status. Due to the many forest fires and wood chopping there are few places left where this tree grows. The combination of these two means there are very few large trees to be found. The pine can reach a height of up to 50 meters. In northern Europe the tree will however stay smaller and because of it's slow growth this may take up to a 100 years for the tree to reach such heights. In the 70's many trees were imported to Europe and placed in gardens, because of this the "tropical" plant that is Araucaria is allready well-known.

The monkey puzzle tree has thick scale like needles that can stay on their branch for up to 15 years. After this periode they fall and leave behind a naked branch. The needles are up to 5 cm in length at larger trees. The tree can be male/female or self pollinating. This is however only possible to spot when they have fruit/flowers. The female fruits are large (up to 20 cm) and are full of edible seeds. The male fruits are smaller. The tree can produce flowers/fruits when it reaches it's maturity at the age of 40.

The Araucaria likes a bit of moist soil. However it is best to always provide plants with plenty of drainage. It is easier to water extra than to take water away. The tree is best placed in lightly acidic soil but will grow well in neutral soil as well. The tree can be placed in full sun but (half) shadow will do fine as well. 

After 10 years the tree can reach a height of 2 meters. The plants that we sell are around 3-4 years old. It is important to not cut away any leaves. The natural shape of the tree is best achieved when it can just grow. It is possible to help the tree a litte bit by guiding it with a stick to have a straight trunk. Long branches that are ugly or in your way can be pruned anytime of the year. 

Fertilizing can be done regularely. The tree is evergreen and will also need some fertilizing in winter if necessary. This is offcourse a lot less than it's growing period.

Winter hardiness zone 7b (-14ºC).