Plant Details

Araucaria araucana - (Molina.)K.Koch.

Monkey Puzzle Tree

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Araucaria araucana - (Molina.)K.Koch..

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Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Monkey Puzzle Tree
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Chileense araucaria
French
  • Désespoir des singes
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Araucaria araucana - (Molina.)K.Koch.
Accepted name (Kew): Araucaria araucana View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. Botanical references may use alternative names.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Araucariaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Araucaria (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Monkey Puzzle Tree

Plant characteristics

Layer: Nut tree
Catalogue size class: Large
Height: 30.00 m
Spread: 15.00 m
Growth rate: Slow
Foliage: Evergreen

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 7-11
Soil moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Seed
Edibility rating:
(5)
Medicinal rating:
(5)
Functions:
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

Harvest starts: 01/03
Harvest ends: 30/04

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: TaxonomyBotanical family
    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.