Monkey Puzzle
Araucaria araucana
Learn about the monkey puzzle tree including when and why it was planted, how to identify it, and where to find it on campus.
Tree Facts
Family: Araucariaceae
Type
Evergreen
Size
Large (greater than 50 feet)
Traits
- Thick, dark green, pointed leaves that spiral around the stem
- Spherical cone that can produce up to 200 edible seeds
- Rough, gray bark with horizonal ridges
Native Range
- Central and southern Chile and Western Argentina
Story of the Tree
The monkey puzzle tree is a very unusual coniferous tree from South America that can grow over 150 feet tall. It has a very upright, formal shape. Its prickly leaves may pose a challenge for climbing monkeys, hence the name "monkey puzzle" tree.
This tree is the national tree of Chile. Its botanical name, Araucaria, comes from the name of the Araucanian people, who live near monkey puzzle forests. The tree is endangered in its native habitat due to overuse. It is now used as an ornamental tree in landscapes where there are large enough spaces for it.
