| Araucaria | |
| Araucaria bidwillii | |
| a.k.a. False Monkey Puzzle Tree |
Large conifer with a stately and distictive growing shape. Bears huge, several pound cone fruits filled with large edible seeds.
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.
Hardiness: Hardy to the upper 20's (F).
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.
Propagation: By 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.
Native Range: Native to rainforest regions of SE Queensland, Australia.