Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Araucaria angustifolia or Brazilian pine

The Araucaria genus, family Araucariaceae, includes 15 tree species native to Australia, Chile, the Pacific Islands, and South America. Some species are: Araucaria angustifolia, Araucaria bidwillii, Araucaria heterophylla, Araucaria araucana.

Common names: Parana pine, Brazilian pine or Candelabra tree. This species is native to Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

Brazilian pine is a large dioecious evergreen tree with an umbellate crown that reaches 35 meters(115 feet) in height. The leaves are ovate or lanceolate and are dark green or bluish green in color. The male cones are more or less cylindrical and reach 15 cm (5.9") in length. The female cones are ovoid or globose and reach 16 cm (6.29") in diameter. The seeds (pine nuts) are edible.

Parana pine is used as an isolated specimen in large gardens and in large pots when young (growth is slow). It is not recommended to grow it next to the sea because it does not withstand salinity well.

Araucaria angustifolia prefers full sun exposure but also grows well in semi-shade when young. It resists occasional frosts down to -5ºC (23 ºF).

The soil can be normal garden soil with plenty of organic matter and a little coarse sand to improve drainage.

Water regularly so that the substrate never dries out completely and maintains a little moisture.

Fertilize with organic matter in early spring.

Brazilian pine does not tolerate pruning.

Candelabra tree is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases.

Parana pine is propagated from seeds that will be soaked for 24 hours before sowing.

Images of the tree Araucaria angustifolia or Brazilian pine