January 07, 2006

Araucaria Araucana, aka, the Monkey Puzzle. [PDF]

It is named for the Araucanos Indians in whose territory it grew (hence Araucaria Araucanos). The seeds were eaten by the Spanish in the nearest ports, but the tree had never been seen till explorers went inland. It was one of the most popular 'gardenesque' trees in Victorian gardens, and often grown on estates in avenues. In England it seems to grow quite quickly, and with a more pronounced trunk. It is called a 'monkeypuzzle' because one 19thC observer commented that with such a spiny trunk and leaves [video]'even a monkey would find it a puzzle to climb'. A quintessential tree for a period garden.

posted by pieisexactlythree 18 years ago
  • Yay for monkey puzzles! And here I thought you were talking about these Araucana.
  • They were plentiful when I was a kid -- saw most in England and eastern North America, a few in California. Hardly see any nowadays, alas.
  • Lots of 'em over 'ere, too. Perth has many to be seen round and about, to this day, descended from those brought in during colonial era.
  • Monkey trees are hereabout, as for monkeys, we see nowt.
  • Got plenty here in Adelaide too.
  • Also know as the monkey tail tree.
  • We have quite a few of them here in the Seattle area. Some people I know play a game like the punch buggy game, where you punch someone when you see one of the trees.
  • Araucaria. Sadly, none of his own inimitable puzzles is online, but try the tribute ones if you're a cruciverbalist.
  • As much as I love crossword puzzles, the one I looked at was very much beyond my capabilities. But, the tribute is very nice.