Araucaria araucana (Molina) K.Koch

A large tree. It grows 15-35 m tall and spreads to 6-9 m wide. The trunk can be 1.2 m across. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. The branches are in tiers or layers of 4-8 but have unusual shapes. The branches hang downwards at least near the base. The leaves are dark green and glossy with spines at the tip. They are large and bract like. They are arranged densely along the branches. The seed cones are spiky and take 3 years to mature. They are 10-15 cm long and at the ends of branches. The pollen cones are 8-12 cm long and occur in the axils of leaves. The seeds are very large and are 25-40 mm long. They are brown and ridged. They are attached to a scale.

It is a temperate plant. It grows in sub-antarctic regions. It grows naturally in cool moist coastal and upland regions of Chile and Argentina. In Argentina it grows between 600-1,700 m above sea level. It can tolerate drought conditions. They need a well drained soil. It does best with cool misty summers. It can tolerate frost to-20°C. It suits hardiness zones 7-9. West Takone. Kyneton Botanical Gardens. Arboretum Tasmania.

The seeds are boiled or roasted and eaten. They are also eaten raw. They are also used to make an alcoholic drink. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

Plants are grown from seed. The temperature needs to be above 20°C. They can also be grown from sprouts from stumps. It is necessary to have trees of both sexes for fruit to form.