Aruacaria araucana

Monkey Puzzle

Araucaria araucana, commonly known as the monkey puzzle tree or Chilean pine, is a distinctive evergreen tree native to the Andes mountains of South America. Renowned for its unique appearance, it features dense, upward-sweeping branches adorned with sharp, overlapping scales of tough, dark green leaves. The tree can grow to more than 20 metres in ideal conditions and has a conical shape, often crowned with a symmetrical arrangement of branches.

Make a statement with this hardy, evergreen tree but make sure you have adequate space.

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Origin: Lower slopes of the Andes Mountains in Argentina and Chile

Genus: Araucaria

Species / Cultivar: araucana

Common Name: Monkey Puzzle

Synonym: Araucaria imbricata

Plant Biography

Araucaria araucana, known as the monkey puzzle tree, has a fascinating botanical history as a garden plant. Native to the Andes mountains of South America, it was first introduced to Europe in the early 19th century as a curiosity due to its unique appearance and ancient lineage dating back to the Mesozoic era. The tree’s striking form and ability to thrive in temperate climates quickly made it a popular choice for ornamental gardens and parks throughout Europe and later in other parts of the world.

Its resilience in harsh mountainous environments and its distinctive, symmetrical shape have cemented Araucaria araucana’s reputation as an iconic and enduring species in botanical collections and landscaped settings globally.

Soil: Moist but Well Drained

Soil that allows water to drain at a moderate rate, without the water pooling.

Growth Rate: Slow

This plant is particularly slow to grow, even during growing season.

Water Requirement: Medium

Once it is established, this plant is likely to only require watering during drier periods.

Maintenance: Low

Minimal skill or input needed beyond the basics, a very independent plant.

Situation: Full Sun to Part Shade

Enjoys direct sun most of the day, but tolerant of fewer sunlit hours or light dappling.

Eventual Height: 12+m

The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.

Eventual Spread: 8+m

The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.

Hardiness: Fully Hardy

Will survive unprotected outdoors in most areas of the UK, even in the harshest winters.

Habit: Evergreen

Always in leaf throughout the year. It won't lose all its leaves at any one time.

Care & Size Guidance

Araucaria araucana, commonly known as the monkey puzzle tree, thrives in cool, temperate climates and prefers well-drained soil with good moisture retention. It requires a spacious location with full sun to partial shade to reach its potential height of 30-40 metres and spread of 10-15 metres. This slow-growing tree is best suited for large gardens or parks where its distinctive, conical silhouette and densely-packed, sharp-edged foliage can be appreciated.

It is tolerant of windy conditions but may need protection from extreme cold. Regular watering during dry spells and occasional fertilisation in spring will support its growth. Araucaria araucana is a long-lived tree, prized for its ancient lineage and architectural presence in landscapes.