Join our Newsletter Join us on Facebook

Plant Profile: Araucaria bidwillii - Bunya Bunya

Araucaria bidwillii

Araucaria bidwillii - Bunya Bunya

Family: Araucariaceae

Common Name(s): Bunya Pine, Bunya Bunya

Native to: South-east Queensland

Flowering: Evergreen Conifer

Watering: While the tree is establishing, keep the soil moist during dry weather

Planting Aspect: Full sun to part shade

Preferred Climate: Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical, Grassland


Description

A remarkable and geologically ancient, large evergreen conifer with massive, straight trunks that continue to the apex of the tree, sharply distinct from the lateral branches. A native of southeast Queensland, this tree grows slowly to about 36 metres tall, developing a symmetrical, domed crown as it matures. The long branches jut out from the thick trunk with flat, dark green, prickly leaves about 5cm long. When mature, it bears huge, pineapple like cones weighing up to 8kg with large edible seeds. An ideal tree for very large gardens or parkland in subtropical to warm temperate climates with good rainfall, however it is adaptable to somewhat cooler, drier climates. Not suitable for growing near seashores.


Cultivation

A very hardy plant that prefers a deep, moist well drained soil in a full sunny position, but will grow in most soil types. In ideal conditions these trees will grow quite fast.

Revised: 5th Jan 2010 @ 1:49 AM
Keywords: araucaria bidwillii, bunya bunya, araucariaceae, bunya, bidwillii, araucaria, tree, nursery, plant, large, soil