Monkey puzzle
Araucaria araucana
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. E02F — Araucaria araucana
Araucaria araucanaAraucaria araucanaAraucaria araucanaAraucaria araucanaAraucaria araucanaAraucaria araucanaAraucaria araucanaAraucaria araucanaAraucaria araucanaAraucaria araucanaAraucaria araucanaAraucaria araucanaAraucaria araucanaAraucaria araucana
IOverview
Overview
The Monkey puzzle is a perennial plant that belongs to the Araucaria family. It is native to the southern regions of Argentina and central and southern Chile. This plant is known for its edible seeds. One of its distinctive features is its ability to thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, including full sun and partial sun or shade. It can also adapt to different soil types, ranging from light and sandy to heavy and clay-based. The plant is a notable sight, growing to a considerable height. Its unique characteristics and growth habits make it a notable species in its native range.
Quick answers
What is Monkey puzzle?
The Monkey puzzle is a perennial plant that belongs to the Araucaria family. It is native to the southern regions of Argentina and central and southern Chile. This plant is known for its edible seeds.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
30.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Monkey puzzle for the first time
8steps
Start with a young Monkey puzzle tree for your beginner garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Monkey puzzle sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or planting space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. Ensure good drainage for containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the young sapling into your prepared soil, ensuring it's at the same depth as in its container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade, and continue regular watering. Fertilize sparingly in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees to shape them. Mature trees can be pruned for maintenance but are not typically harvested.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, and neglecting proper pruning techniques.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Other uses:ResinWind breakerLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 3 native· 1 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)United Kingdom
Broader regions
native:Argentina South, Chile South, Chile Central
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · e02fc3eb-14e5-4790-bff0-12db0d3af9e1
Decision aid
Choosing between Monkey puzzle and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.