Bunya pine
Araucaria bidwilliifam. Podocarpaceae
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Pl. EA90 — Araucaria bidwillii
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IOverview
Overview
The Bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii) is a coniferous tree native to the rainforests of Queensland, Australia. This towering evergreen can grow up to 40 meters in height and thrives in moist conditions with light to partial shade. Known for its edible seeds, which are harvested by indigenous communities, the Bunya pine also serves as an ornamental tree due to its distinctive cone-bearing habit and attractive form. Its adaptability to various soil types—ranging from sandy to clay—and its hardiness in zones 9-11 make it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Bunya pine?
The Bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii) is a coniferous tree native to the rainforests of Queensland, Australia. This towering evergreen can grow up to 40 meters in height and thrives in moist conditions with light to partial shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Bunya pine thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 9-11, making it suitable for temperate regions. To propagate, use seeds. This large tree can grow up to 40 meters tall and produces edible seeds.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-11
Mature size
40.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bunya pine for the first time
8steps
Start with a Bunya pine as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Bunya pine sapling and well-draining soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or autumn when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light, medium, or heavy with good drainage. Amend if necessary.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a young sapling from a nursery pot to your garden bed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade. Water when dry, especially in hot weather.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees to shape them; seeds can be harvested after the cones mature.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The Bunya pine's seed is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. It is often roasted to enhance its flavor before consumption. The seeds are also used in various dishes, though specific preparation methods are not detailed here.
Other uses:Lumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 1 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 1 native· 1 introduced
Broader regions
native:Queensland
introduced:Réunion
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Podocarpaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Podocarpaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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