Bunya-Bunya, Monkey Puzzle Tree, False Monkey Puzzle

Araucaria bidwillii

Physical Characteristics

Araucaria bidwillii is an evergreen Tree growing to 40 m (131ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Australia - Queensland.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - raw, cooked or ground into a powder[1, 2, 81, 157, 183]. Starchy and delicious, it has the texture of a waxy boiled potato with the flavour of chestnuts[183]. Large, it is an important food source for the Australian Aborigines[156]. Cones can be up to 4.5 kilos in weight and contain up to 150 seeds[1]. The germinating seed produces an underground 'earth nut' which has a coconut-like flavour[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known