Care of the tree Araucaria araucana or Monkey puzzle tree |
The Araucaria genus, family Araucariaceae, comprises 15 tree species native to Australia, Chile, the Pacific Islands, and South America. Some species are: Araucaria araucana, Araucaria bidwillii, Araucaria heterophylla, Araucaria angustifolia. Common names: Chilean pine, Monkey puzzle tree, Monkey tail tree, Pewen. This species is native to Chile. They are large trees whose branches grow parallel to each other. They are coniferous, like the Pines, but they have nothing in common. The leaves are evergreen, dark green in color, with very varied shapes; they can be smooth and wide or narrow and sharp. Chilean pine is used as isolated specimens in parks and gardens. Young specimens are grown in pots. Monkey puzzle tree can be grown in full sun or semi-shade exposures. The soil can be a compost garden substrate mixed with a part of peat and another part of coarse sand. Planting takes place in late winter. If it is potted it can be done whenever you want; it is not recommended to do it in winter. These slow growing trees do not need pruning. Araucaria araucana does not present serious pest and disease problems. Monkey tail tree propagates in autumn, by seeds or by cuttings in a warm and humid environment. |
Images of the tree Araucaria araucana or Monkey puzzle tree |