Identifying the Pyramid Evergreen with Upturned Branches in Australia

The tree described—pyramid-shaped with upturned, umbrella-like branch tips—is the Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), a southern hemisphere conifer native to Australia and Norfolk Island. Not a true pine, it grows straight with whorled branches at right angles, sweeping down gracefully. In tropics, it can reach 200 ft but usually half that. Popular as a landscape tree and indoor plant in cooler zones.

Key Features

• Scientific name: Araucaria heterophylla.
• Whorled, horizontal branches with upturned tips.
• Grows in coastal, frost-free climates (USDA 9–11).