Araucaria is an ancient genus of conifers, today found naturally only in the Southern Hemisphere. In eons past, they were a dominant component of forests across the globe. Today, there are a handful of species remaining in South America, Australia, and New Guinea, but with the majority found on the islands of New Caledonia. All species are tropical to subtropical in their distribution, but several have been shown to have a surprising tolerance of frost, perhaps left over from their former distribution.
The two best known species, A. araucana and A. heterophylla, are rare in Sacramento. A. araucana grows at elevation and does not like our local heat, and A. heterophylla does not like the cold. Two other species are more commonly found--the impressive A. bidwillii and the strange, leaning, pillar-shaped A. columnaris. A. bidwillii, also known in by its aboriginal name bunya bunya, is a proven performer in the region with many large specimens dating from the 1800s, though it is rarely planted because of its large, heavy cones. A. columnaris, usually called cook pine, has only appeared recently after many have been sold as house plants. Although they are growing well so far, they may be at risk of damage during exceptionally cold winters.
The two best known species, A. araucana and A. heterophylla, are rare in Sacramento. A. araucana grows at elevation and does not like our local heat, and A. heterophylla does not like the cold. Two other species are more commonly found--the impressive A. bidwillii and the strange, leaning, pillar-shaped A. columnaris. A. bidwillii, also known in by its aboriginal name bunya bunya, is a proven performer in the region with many large specimens dating from the 1800s, though it is rarely planted because of its large, heavy cones. A. columnaris, usually called cook pine, has only appeared recently after many have been sold as house plants. Although they are growing well so far, they may be at risk of damage during exceptionally cold winters.