What is a Monkey Puzzle Tree?

The monkey puzzle tree is an evergreen conifer native to the highlands of Chile and Argentina. It was originally imported to Europe in the 1800s, and became a popular addition to botanical gardens because of its unusual and distinctive appearance. Because it is an evergreen, the tree is often used as an ornamental, and is also used as a timber resource in addition to providing edible nuts. Since the trees are more valuable alive, the monkey puzzle tree is rarely cut for timber, but when it is harvested, it provides long, straight, close grained timber. Harvesting of the nuts has put survival of the trees at risk in some parts of South America.

While trees vary, the monkey puzzle tree can exceed 131 feet (40 meters) in height. It has triangular-shaped leaves that resemble sharp scales. The small leaves cluster along the branches, making the trees and branches rather difficult to handle without incurring painful injuries. In nature, it prefers high elevations that receive winter snowfall. As the snow gathers on the older low branches, it breaks them off, leaving the tree with a crown of branches at the top and a smooth trunk below. When cultivated, the lower branches are allowed to remain, making the tree much bushier than it is in nature.

Higher elevations are the preferred growing environment for the monkey puzzle tree, which also appreciates temperate climates such as those in areas near the ocean. The plant does well in USDA zones seven and above, and is both frost and drought tolerant. Because of the spiny leaves, the tree may not be the best choice for an intimate garden, but it can make an interesting decorative addition in an area with plenty of space to grow. The edible seeds can be harvested and used like nuts, or used to sprout new trees, which take around 40 years to mature.

The tree's scientific name is Araucaria araucana. When it was first brought to Europe, it was called “Chilean Pine.” The common name appears to have emerged in the 1850s, when contemporaries commented that climbing the tree would puzzle a monkey. In some regions, the native name for the tree is supplanting the former common name, which is why a monkey puzzle tree may be referred to as Pehuen as well.

The Monkey Puzzle Tree, scientifically known as Araucaria araucana, is an ancient conifer native to Chile and Argentina. It's characterized by its unique, spirally arranged, sharp leaves and can live for over 1,000 years. This tree is often used in ornamental landscaping due to its distinctive appearance and longevity.

The name 'Monkey Puzzle Tree' is said to have originated from the early 19th century when a British owner remarked that the tree's intricate, spiky branches would puzzle a monkey trying to climb it. This whimsical name stuck and has been used ever since to describe this unusual and striking tree.

Monkey Puzzle Trees can reach impressive heights, typically growing up to 30-40 meters (100-130 feet) tall. In their native habitat, they can sometimes grow even taller, with the tallest recorded specimen reaching about 50 meters (164 feet), according to the Gymnosperm Database.

Yes, the Monkey Puzzle Tree is classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its population is declining due to overharvesting for its wood, seeds, and as a result of forest fires, alongside habitat loss from agricultural expansion and development.

Yes, the seeds of the Monkey Puzzle Tree, also known as piñones, are edible and have been a traditional food source for indigenous Mapuche people in Chile and Argentina. The seeds are large, similar to pine nuts, and can be roasted or boiled before consumption.

Caring for a Monkey Puzzle Tree involves planting it in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade exposure. It requires minimal maintenance once established but should be protected from strong winds. Young trees may need some protection from frost, and it's important to allow sufficient space for growth due to its eventual large size.