Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island Pine)
Michael's Opinion
A beautiful majestic tree that I long to be able to grow to maturity but in our climate it is at best a potted plant. Often used as potted Christmas trees they often fail because of the lack of humidity in our central heated homes.
Botanical Information
| Family | Araucariaceae |
| Genus | Araucaria |
| Species | heterophylla |
| Category | Tropicals, Woody |
| Type | Tree (evergreen) |
| Origin | Native to Norfolk Island. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 9 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cool season protection under glass |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H2 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -7 - (-1) |
| Temperature (°F) | 20 - 30 |
| Height | 60 m |
| Growth | Medium |
Description and Growing Information
| Cultivation | Easy to grow in the proper climate in well drained soil but commonly grown in North America as a potted house plant. If this is the case humidity levels may become a problem and the foliage begins to dry out. Place the plant on a saucer of gravel and fill with water, mist the plant periodically and keep it away from any direct heat sources. |
| Leaf Description | Juvenile leaves to 4-10 x 2 mm, curved inwards and light green, bluntly pointed and soft. Mature leaves are 3-6 x 3-5 mm, scale-like with a blunt, incurved apex and a poorly defined midrib. |
| Flower Description | Male flowers to 4-7 x 1-1.7 cm. |
| Fruit Description | Female cones to 7-10 x 8-11 cm. |
Photographs
Photographed on the South Island of New Zealand.
Awards
