Sheffield's Seed Company Page

Araucaria araucana, commonly known as the monkey puzzle tree, is an evergreen conifer species native to central and southern Chile and western Argentina. With a trunk diameter of 2 metres and a height of up to 40 metres, it is the hardiest species in the Araucaria genus and is sometimes referred to as a "living fossil" due to its great age. However, its conservation status was upgraded to Endangered by the IUCN in 2013 due to a declining population caused by logging, forest fires, and grazing. The tree's unique, thick, "reptilian" branches with a symmetrical appearance make it a favourite ornamental garden tree. Its seeds, piñones, can be eaten raw or cooked and have a slightly nutty flavour resembling that of pine nuts. Although the tree takes around 30 to 40 years to yield seeds, it can live up to 1,000 years. Despite its rarity and endangered status, the tree's wood was once prized for its long, straight trunk. Named after the indigenous Pehuenches people who harvested its nuts, it is also the national tree of Chile.