Araucaria montana
Monkey Puzzle Tree
Description
Source: leafsnapAraucaria montana, the mountain araucaria, is a species of conifer in the family Araucariaceae. It is found only in New Caledonia. Araucaria montana is the most widely distributed of New Caledonia's native Araucaria species, and is found throughout the main island of Grande Terre, as well as a small population on Île d'Art. However it is still considered vulnerable due to fragmentation of populations and degradation of habitat, due mainly to mining activities. Height of mature trees can vary from 10 to 40 meters. A population genetic study suggested that the less common A. laubenfelsii may not be distinct from A. montana. The Latin specific epithet montana refers to mountains or coming from mountains.
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Partial sun
Summit araucaria naturally occurs in settings like forest understories or rocky sites, where it grows under natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate both full sun and deep shade, reflecting its hardy, adaptable nature.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
Summit araucaria shows strong adaptability to different climate conditions, from blazing summers to freezing winters. That said, it has an optimal temperature range for growing. If temperatures rise too high, the plant is susceptible to heat and humidity stress, which can kill it. In areas where temperatures near the lower bound of its cold tolerance, providing insulation is important to protect the plant.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
Summit araucaria has specific nutrient needs and does not require heavy fertilization. Spring is the best time to apply fertilizer for optimal growth. Supplying nutrients enhances its health, raises its resistance to pests and diseases, and helps preserve its long lifespan.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Araucaria
- Family
- Araucariaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 29.87 m to 39.93 m
- Mature Spread
- 10.06 m to 14.94 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall