This native evergreen of Chile and Argentina grows from 15 - 35 m with a spread of 8 m. It prefers cool, moist, loamy soils and sheltered positions. Hot, dry conditions will often cause the tree to die. In the UK it is found to be very cold hardy and is considered an excellent wind resister there. It loses its lower limbs and becomes ragged from industrial pollution.
The tree is usually monoecious. The nuts, called pinones, are twice the size of an almond and rich in starch. They are roasted, boiled, eaten fresh and also made into an alcoholic drink. Eighteen good sized trees are reported to be able to yield enough to sustain an adult for a year. It is the national tree of Chile and is protected by the Araucanians, the native people of Chile.
Propagation is by seed and trees require frost protection for the first couple of years.
Araucaria braziliana, syn. augustifolia (Parana pine, Brazilian pine)
Native to Brazil and Argentina. It yields a large, nutritious nut with a sweet, mealy flavour somewhat resembling sweet potatoes. The gum of the tree is also eaten.