Plant Details

Araucaria araucana

Monkey Puzzle Tree

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Araucaria araucana.

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General Information

Scientific name: Araucaria araucana
Also known as: Monkey Puzzle Tree

Plant Properties

Layer: Nut tree
Size: Large
Height: 30.00 m
Width: 15.00 m
Growth Rate: Slow
Leaf: Evergreen

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 7-11
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Seed
Edibility:
(5)
Medicinal:
(1)
Features:
Parasiticide, Fragrant

Description

Seeds - can be consumed raw or cooked. They are rich in starch. The seeds have a soft texture, similar to cashews, and have a subtle flavor akin to pine nuts. They are delicious and make a pleasant addition to meals. These seeds can be eaten in large quantities and serve as a staple food in the diet. They are quite large, about the size of an almond, and can be up to 3 cm long and 1 cm wide. The seeds are harvested in the autumn and can be stored cool and dry for at least 9 months.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/03
End of Harvest: 30/04

Crown Data

Crown Type: Narrow pyramidal
Crown Density: Dense crown