Tigger's Green Paw
Monkey Puzzle Tree

Animal Safety:  Dogs: No  Cats: No  Rabbits: No

Free Grazing: No
Lifespan: over 700 years

About:
Fossils from the Jurassic period show that plants very similar to the monkey puzzle tree have been growing for around 200 million years.
Monkey puzzle is native to central and southern Chile and western Argentina. It was first brought to the UK in 1795.
It became very popular during the Victorian and Edwardian era

The Monkey Puzzle tree, also known as Araucaria araucana, is a unique and intriguing tree species that has captured the curiosity of botanists and nature enthusiasts around the world. With its spiky, scale-like leaves and towering height, this tree stands out in any landscape.

Monkey Puzzle trees prefer well-drained soil and cool, moist climates, making them ideal for growing in temperate regions with mild summers and cold winters. They are often planted as ornamental trees in parks and gardens for their unique beauty and historical significance.

To survive in challenging environments, the monkey puzzle tree has developed adaptations like thick, waxy leaves to reduce water loss, deep roots for stability, and the ability to withstand cold temperatures.

The durable wood of the monkey puzzle tree is sought after for furniture, flooring, and construction due to its unique grain and strength.

The common name of 'monkey puzzle' was coined during the mid-1800s when Charles Austin, a noted barrister, on seeing the tree for the first time commented that climbing the spiny, spiralling branches would be a puzzle even for a monkey.