Genus of 18 species of evergreen conifers native to the tropical rainforests of New Guinea, Australia, the New Hebrides, New Caledonia and South America. Araucaria bidwillii is a large and long-lived conifer up to 50 m tall, conical when young, with a rounded shape when mature. It has a single erect main trunk on which the numerous lateral branches are inserted orthogonally. The dark green leaves are small, leathery, lanceolate in shape, with a sharp tip. In Europe it rarely exceeds 30 m in height. At the end of summer it produces large pine cones, up to 50 cm long, which contain large, tapered, cream-colored seeds.
Pedoclimatic requirements
Non-rustic species that cannot tolerate intense and prolonged frosts; it can be grown outdoors in a Mediterranean climate, where temperatures do not fall below -2°/-4°C, for short periods. Young plants are more delicate. Grow in fresh and deep soil without stagnation. This species is a first-sized tree and requires large spaces to be able to develop freely. Due to the beauty and majesty of its shape, it is used in parks and large gardens as isolated specimens or in small groups. The fall of pine cones in autumn can be potentially dangerous, therefore it is not recommended to plant it near roads, houses or areas used for parking.
Curiosity
In its native areas of Queensland, Australia, this tree is considered sacred by native populations. For the native inhabitants, this species is also a source of food, as they eat the seeds both raw and cooked or grind them to obtain flour.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Araucaria bidwillii
Family: Araucariaceae
