Araucaria (Araucaria araucana, Dendrologie 2(2): 206 (1873))

Family: Araucariaceae

Author: (Molina) K.Koch

Bibliography: Dendrologie 2(2): 206 (1873)

Year: 1873

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Araucaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: SC. Chile to Argentina (Neuquén)

Description

The Araucaria, also scientifically known as Araucaria araucana, is a fascinating and ancient species of conifer native to the southern regions of Chile and reaching into Argentina, particularly the province of Neuquén. Belonging to the family Araucariaceae, this majestic tree, also commonly referred to as the Monkey Puzzle tree, is renowned for its unique architectural beauty and historical significance.

Araucaria araucana has a distinctive and symmetrical appearance, characterized by its sharp, scale-like leaves that spiral around sturdy branches, creating a unique, almost prehistoric look. This hardy tree can reach impressive heights of up to 50 meters and is known for its longevity, with some specimens living for several hundred years. The thick, rough bark and dense foliage provide an imposing structure that stands resilient against the harsh climates of its native habitat.

In the Chilean landscape, Araucaria araucana holds a special place not only in ecosystems but also in cultural heritage. This tree species has withstood the test of time, dating back to the time of the dinosaurs, and remains a vital part of the local ecology. The indigenous Pehuenche people of Chile have historically relied on the tree’s seeds, known as piñones, for food, recognizing its importance for both sustenance and cultural practices.

The Araucaria araucana’s adaptation to the Southern Hemisphere’s environments is remarkable. Enduring the volcanic soils and fluctuating climate conditions of the Andean mountain range, it plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, providing habitat and food for various wildlife. As a symbol of endurance and beauty, it is admired not only by botanists and horticulturists but also by nature enthusiasts and conservationists worldwide.

Given the tree’s storied past and ecological importance, conservation efforts are essential in areas where its populations are threatened by logging and habitat loss. Protecting these living relics ensures that future generations can appreciate and study these extraordinary trees.

First documented comprehensively in the works of K. Koch in 1873’s “Dendrologie 2(2): 206,” the Araucaria continues to captivate scientists and nature lovers alike. Its resilience, distinctive beauty, and rich history make Araucaria araucana a standout species within the diverse world of conifers.

Common Names

Deu: andentanne, chile-tanne, chilenische araukarie, chiletanne
Hun: andesi délfenyo, csilei araukária
Nld: apeboom, slangenden, araucaria
Spa: araucaria, araucaria de neuquén, chihuén, pehuen, pehuén, pino araucaria, pino de neuquén, pino hachado, pino solo, piño-del-neuquen, pino araucana, pino chileno, piñonero
Eng: araucaria, chilean pine, chilean-pine, monkey puzzle, monkey-puzzle, monkey puzzle tree, monkey-puzzle-tree, monkeypuzzle tree
Fra: araucaria du chili, désespoir des singes, araucaria de chile
Ita: pino del paranà
Por: araucária-do-chile
Swe: brödgran
Rus: араукария чилийская (araukariya chilijskaya)
Zho: 智利南洋杉 (zhi li nan yang shan)
Nob: apeskrekktre
Nno: apeskrekktre
Cym: cas gan fwnci, pinwydden chile
En: Araucaria, Chilean pine, Chilean-pine, Monkey Puzzle, Monkey-puzzle, Monkey puzzle tree, Monkey-puzzle-tree, Monkeypuzzle tree
Ca: Araucària de Xile, Pehuen
Zh: 智利南洋杉 (zhi li nan yang shan)
Nl: Apeboom, Slangenden, Araucaria, Kandelaarspar, Slangeden
Fr: Araucaria du Chili, Désespoir des singes, Araucaria de Chile, Désespoir-des-singes
De: Andentanne, Chile-Tanne, Chilenische Araukarie, Chiletanne, Schmucktanne
Hu: Andesi délfenyo, Csilei araukária
It: Pino del Paranà, Pino del Cile, Pino del Parana
Nb: Apeskrekktre
Nn: Apeskrekktre
Pt: Araucária-do-chile
Ru: Араукария чилийская (araukariya chilijskaya)
Es: Araucaria, Araucaria de Neuquén, Chihuén, Pehuen, Pehuén, Pino araucaria, Pino de Neuquén, Pino hachado, Pino solo, Piño-del-neuquen, Pino Araucana, Pino Chileno, Piñonero, Pino araucado
Sv: Brödgran
Cy: Cas Gan Fwnci, Pinwydden Chile

Synonyms

• Columbea imbricata var. striata (Carrière)
• Araucaria imbricata aureovariegata (Van Geert)
• Columbea imbricata ((Pav.) Carrière)
• Columbea quadrifaria (Salisb.)
• Araucaria imbricata var. aurea (Dallim. & A.B.Jacks.)
• Araucaria dombeyi (A.Rich.)
• Columbea imbricata var. latifolia (Carrière)
• Araucaria imbricata var. platifolia (G.Nicholson)
• Araucaria chilensis (Mirb.)
• Abies araucana ((Molina) Poir.)
• Araucaria araucana var. angustifolia (Dallim. & A.B.Jacks.)
• Araucaria imbricata (Pav.)
• Columbea imbricata var. densa (Carrière)
• Pinus araucana (Molina)
• Dombeya chilensis (Lam.)
• Araucaria imbricata var. variegata (Gordon)
• Columbea imbricata var. distans (Carrière)
• Araucaria araucana f. virgata (Schwer.)
• Columbea imbricata var. denudata (Carrière)
• Araucaria araucana subsp. conguillioensis (Silba)
• Araucaria araucana var. aurea ((Dallim. & A.B.Jacks.) Dallim. & A.B.Jacks.)
• Columbea imbricata var. variegata ((Gordon) Carrière)

Distribution

• Argentina South (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Chile South (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Feb 25, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2018 by daniel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2021 by Decobert Didier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2021 by Decobert Didier (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 12, 2021 by Harald Roller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 14, 2021 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 31, 2021 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Jun 7, 2022 by lucas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Teresa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2021 by Jörg D (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by jorgemusm (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 31, 2021 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 29, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 26, 2022 by Rvt 063 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2021 by giuliana ciancio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2022 by Rvt 063 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2017 by Lilian Car (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Josette PUYO (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Dec 22, 2020 by mar sea (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2018 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2019 by Poza Laura (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2019 by Stéphane lair (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2020 by Lucy on the Earth (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2684984)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:261681-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Araucaria araucana (Molina) K.Koch)

Specifications

Growth