This large coniferous tree has rough dark brown trunk with thin scales and radiating branches that form a conical habit. It has flat leathery dark green pointed leaves and the male and female flowers appear in spring and are followed by large cones.

Hardiness zones 8 to 11

Araucaria bidwillii is naturally found in Australia as an emergent tree over the top of tropical rainforest in south-eastern Queensland. It prefersa deep medium to heavy soil in an open sunny to semi shaded position and is frost and salt spray tolerant but drought tender.

The Bunya-Bunya Pine is grown for its stately habit and is planted in large gardens or parks as a specimen tree. It is suitable for coastal regions establishing in 3 to 5 years in but is slow to mature. It is also planted as a wind break or silhouette tree and when young it can be grown in containers or used as a bonsai specimen. The fruit may be eaten roasted or raw. ID 220

Note:
Care should be taken when positioning as falling cones can injure people or damage property. Trees in urban areas have the fruit annually removed. The roots of this large tree can damage pathways or retaining walls.

Araucaria(air-ah-KAIR-ee-uh)bidwillii(bid-will-lee-i)

"Araucaria", after Araucanos, a South American tribe in whose vicinity another species was first collected; "bidwillii" commemorates botanical collector J.C. Bidwill.

Araucariaceae (AR-aw-KAR-ee-AY-see-ee)