Question
I acquired this tree from a friend 10 years ago and was told it was a Monkey Puzzle. It has a growth pattern like a norfolk pine,with the branches growing from a halo about 6 to 8 inches apart. The tree is now about 8ft tall and about 2 to 3ft across. The leaves are flat, about 1in long and 1/4 in wide, bright green when new and harden off to deep green. they are elongated with a vicious little point on the end. Very irregular growth. Can find nothing on Monkey puzzle,am assuming it has another name-Ive never seen another and am quite curious. I have scanned a branch but am new to scanners and sending on a site like this.  I've been bringing it in for winter,Okla is not to kind on tropicals, If its not, I would love to  plant this prickly thing outside. Have you got a clue?

Answer
latin binomial name is Araucaria araucana. sometimes listed under pinus(pines). it is an evergreen conifer. it is dioeious(male floer on one plant and female on another)-must have a male tree for so many female trees to reproduce. it is native to chile. it does grow outdoors in british columbia. it is very slow growing(inches per year). check w/a local garden center/nursery to see if can be grown outdoors in your area. i'm in southern NJ.