Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria araucana)

Monkey Puzzle Tree – Ancient Conifer with Sharp, Scale-Like Leaves

Araucaria araucana, the Monkey Puzzle Tree, is a remarkable, slow-growing conifer native to the Andes of Chile and Argentina. Its stiff, sharp, triangular leaves cover the branches completely, making it "a puzzle for a monkey to climb." It has a distinctive, open, pyramidal habit with whorled branches. The large, edible seeds (piñones) are harvested. It is a living fossil, dating back to the dinosaur era. It prefers cool, moist, well-drained soils and full sun, hardy to zone 7.

Taxonomic Details