This large coniferous tree has a greyish to 2 m (6ft) in diameter with horizontal symmetrical branches that form a conical habit. It has tiny dark green awl-like overlapping upward facing pointed leaves along the branches and it produces cones during spring.

Hardiness zones 10 to 11

Auracaria heterophylla is naturally found on Norfolk Island but is commonly planted along the east coast of Australia New Zealand, California and South Africa. In its native habitat it grows in coastal lowland regions and is at high risk of extinction due to fragmented distribution and habitat loss.

It prefers a well drained deep fertile sandy soil that is tending acidic with a pH range from 5.0 to 6.5, but will tolerate heavier soils and grows in an open sunny position. It is drought and frost tender but salt spray tolerant.

The Norfolk Island Pine is grown for its symmetrical habit and is coastal tolerance. It is planted in parks and public places along the beach fronts for sand stabilisation or uses an avenue tree. It is also mass planted as a windbreak or used as a lawn specimen for shade.

It is suitable for coastal and inland regions establishing in 5 to 7 years and is long lived up to 170 years or more. It is also grown for its soft timber and when young it is used as an indoor plant in a cooler regions tolerating neglect. This tree is the most commonly planted of the Auracariageniusand is grown throughout the world in regions with a USDA zone 9 or more. ID 251

Araucaria(air-ah-KAIR-ee-uh) heterophylla(he-te-rő-FIL-la)

"Araucaria", after Araucanos, a South American tribe in whose vicinity another species was first collected; "heterophylla", from Greek hetero, "varied" or dissimilar", + phyllus, "leaf" - referring to the variable leaf shape.

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