This large dioecious coniferous tree has a greyish scaly straight trunk to 1 m (3 ft) wide and radiating horizontal branches that form a flat-topped crown. It has leathery dark green pointed lance shaped leaves and produces male or female cones in late winter.

Hardiness zones 7 to 11

Araucaria angustifolia is naturally found in Brazil, South America growing in the states of Parana, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande Do Sul and extending to Northern Argentina and occasionally Paraguay. It is found in cooler sub-tropical forests at an altitude from 500 m (1,640 ft) to 2,200 m (7,217 ft) where it once occupied over 20 million ha. and now is reduced from logging and habitat loss by 97% and is regarded as critically endangered in its native habitat. 

It prefers an open to closed sunny position and grows in deep well drained poor sandstone derived soils or fertile soils derived from basalt that are tending acidic. It has an annual rainfall between 1250 mm to 2450 mm and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

Parana Pine is grown for its stately symmetry habit and its edible seeds. It is planted in parks and large gardens as a lawn specimen for shade or used in sub-tropical gardens as an emergent. It is also planted in woodland settings and used in conservation sites. It is suitable for mountainous regions and establishes in 4-6 years and can live for 300 years.  
This large tree is not commonly cultivated in urban landscapes and may be difficult to obtain requiring a specialist nursery. Care should be taken when selecting a site as the roots can block drains or lift concrete. ID 3738

Araucaria (air-ah-KAIR-ee-uh) angustifolia  (an-gus-tee-FOH-lee-uh)

“Araucaria”, after Araucanos, a South American tribe in whose vicinity another species was first collected;

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