This coniferous tree has an erect greyish trunk with bark that sheds in horizontal stripes and has horizontal branching that forms a conical habit. It has dark green curved, pointed leaves that are crowded at the end of the branches and it produces cones. 

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Araucaria cunninghamii is naturally found in Australia growing on the northern and central east coast of New South Wales and Queensland and extends to Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. It appears as an emergent tree in sub-tropical or drier rainforests. 

It is also found on small islands off the east coast of Australia growing in a variety of soils from sandy loams to heavy deep moist clay. It prefers an open sunny position and is drought and frost tender but smog and salt spray tolerant.

The Hoop Pine is grown for its conical habit and is planted in large gardens, parks and rural settings as a specimen for shade. It is also mass planted as a windbreak and is suitable for coastal regions. It establishes in 3-5 years and is long lived. When young it is used as a tub specimen tolerating low light conditions. The timber is soft and use in cabinet making and the fruit attracts seed eating birds. ID 250

Araucaria (air-ah-KAIR-ee-uh ) cunninghamii (kun-ing-ham-ee-eye)

“Araucaria”, after Araucanos, a South American tribe in whose vicinity another species was first collected; “cunninghamii” commemorates Allan Cunningham, botanist and former Superintendent of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney, Australia.

Araucariaceae (air-ah-KAIR-ee-AY-see-ee)