Bunya Bunya, False Monkey Puzzle Tree

Bunya-Bunya
Araucaria bidwillii
a.k.a. False Monkey Puzzle Tree
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Large conifer with a stately and distictive growing shape. Bears huge, several pound cone fruits filled with large edible seeds.

Uses

The seeds are edible and are considered a delicacy by Aboriginal Australians. The plant is also often grown as an ornamental for its unique appearance and easy culture. The wood is also used as timber.

Plant Cultivation

Description: Large, columnar tree to 120ft. Interestingly, the tree can be easily grown as a house plant as container-bound trees will remain quite small. The species is dioecious, so both male and female trees are needed to produce fruits. Care should be taken to avoid large bunya-bunya's during fruiting season as the huge cones can be lethal as they fall from the high branches.
Growing Environment: Trees grow very well in part-shade and full sun. Container plants grown as indoor specimens will thrive in low-light conditions. Needs regular water year-round. Tends not to be choosy about soil type.
Hardiness: Hardy to the upper 20's (F).
Propagation: By seed.

Origin and Distribution

Native Range: Native to rainforest regions of SE Queensland, Australia.

	Uses
The seeds are edible and are considered a delicacy by Aboriginal Australians. The plant is also often grown as an ornamental for its unique appearance and easy culture. The wood is also used as timber.

	Origin and Distribution
Native Range: Native to rainforest regions of SE Queensland, Australia.

Family: Araucariaceae
Araucaria bidwillii	Bunya-Bunya, False Monkey Puzzle Tree