Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Araucaria bidwillii or Bunya pine

The Araucaria genus, family Araucariaceae, includes 15 tree species native to Australia, Chile, the Pacific Islands, and South America. Some species are: Araucaria bidwillii, Araucaria heterophylla, Araucaria araucana, Araucaria angustifolia.

Common names: Bunya pine, Punya, False monkey puzzle tree. This species is native to Australia.

They are evergreen trees with an elegant pyramidal shape that reach 40 meters (131 feet) in height. The coriaceous lanceolate-acuminate leaves are bright green. They present male flowers and female flowers that have no decorative interest. Large fruits (up to 30 cm(11.8" in diameter) contain edible pine nuts.

These relatively fast growing trees are used as isolated specimens avoiding the areas of the garden where people pass by due to the large size and weight of the cones. Young plants can be grown in pots for patios and terraces. They are ideal for coastal gardens in frost-free regions.

The Araucaria bidwillii needs full sun exposure and a warm climate. They resist occasional and very light frosts.

They prefer a soil made from normal garden soil well drained with coarse sand and containing organic matter but they also grow in poorer and drier soils.

Water moderately, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. They resist several days of drought.

Fertilize with compost or manure in the fall.

Prune dry branches in the fall.

They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring (germination is slow), by cuttings of young branches and by separation of basal shoots. 

Images of the tree Araucaria bidwillii or Bunya pine