This plant is known as the Monkey Puzzle Tree, It's the hardiest of the genus Araucaria; most are familiar with its family member; the Norfolk Island Pine. This plant has scale-like leaves are dark green, stiff, sharp-pointed and densely arranged on upwardly-sweeping branches, looking more reptilian than coniferous in character. Because of this it, comes as no surprise to most people that this species is estimated to be around 60 million years old, based upon fossil record known today.

The common name of Monkey Puzzle Tree comes from a comment from an Englishman, Archibald Menzies in the 1800’s, who thought it would certainly be a puzzle for a monkey to climb. As there are no monkeys native to the area in which this tree is indigenous, this name has spawned many false stories. Because of the unusual character of this tree, which captures the imagination of most people who see it, the species is often planted in gardens around the world. Specimens planted years ago now make commanding silhouettes in the landscape, visibly recognizable from great distances.

Preferring well-drained, volcanic soil, this species is surprisingly tolerant of many soil types. It is very tolerant of maritime exposures, salt-laden winds, and thrives in cool, mild climates. It dislikes hot-dry soils and atmospheric pollution.

It is perhaps Archibald Menzie’s most unusual introduction of a new species into England. One night, Mr. Menzies was dining out in Chile. Unable to identify some nuts on the table, he popped a few in his pocket. A number of them sprouted on the voyage home. In this manner, Araucaria araucana, or Monkey Puzzle Tree found its way into the rare plant collections of 18th century Europe!

In 1990, the Ministerio de Agricultura declared Araucaria araucana a Chilean national monument.

In May 2000 wild monkey puzzle trees in Argentina were placed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. You can have your own piece of history with this rare addition to your garden, thus ensuring it's survival for future generations to come.