Araucaria araucana - (Molina.)K.Koch.
Monkey Puzzle Tree
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Araucaria araucana - (Molina.)K.Koch..
Plant photos
2 photos · Select to enlarge
A Araucaria araucana tree.
Vicente Fernández Rioja / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Araucaria en Parque Nacional Conguillio.jpg
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Cones of Araucaria araucana.
Leoneldp / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Pehuen.JPG
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Common names
3 names · 3 languages- EnglishYour language
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- Monkey Puzzle Tree
Other languages (2)
- Dutch
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- Chileense araucaria
- French
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- Désespoir des singes
Sources & name notes
Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.
General information
Accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. Botanical references may use alternative names.
Sources [1]Kew's family placement for the genus Araucaria (WCVP v16).
Sources [1]Plant characteristics
Growing conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Full sun
Uses
Seed
Windbreak, Resin, Wood
Description
Edible applications: The seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. They are rich in starch and have a soft texture similar to cashew nuts, with a slight flavor of pine nuts. These delicious seeds can be consumed in large quantities and serve as a nutritious addition to the diet. The relatively large seeds, about the size of an almond and 3 cm long by 1 cm wide, are harvested in the autumn and can be stored for at least 9 months in cool, dry conditions.
Harvest
Sources and references
References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
Relevant sections
- Taxonomy: WCVP version 16, wcvp_names.csv: Araucaria araucana (Molina) K.Koch, name ID 14339, row 957449
- Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 957406; name ID 14336; Araucaria Juss.. Family column.
Source checked on .
Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.