Araucaria bidwillii aka Bunya Pine

Taxonomy

Araucaria bidwillii, also known as the bunya pine, bunya-bunya, or monkey puzzle tree, is a large evergreen coniferous tree in the Araucariaceae family. It is native to Australia, specifically in south-east Queensland, with small populations in north-east Queensland's Wet Tropics. Planted specimens can also be found in New South Wales and around the Perth metropolitan area. These trees can reach heights of 30-45 meters (98-148 feet), with the tallest living individual reported to be 51.5 meters (169 feet) in height. The bunya pine is the last surviving species of the Section Bunya of the Araucaria genus. It was named after botanist John Carne Bidwill, who discovered it in 1842. The bunya tree has a conical shape when young, but becomes rounded and loses its lower branches as it matures. It has glossy, spine-tipped leaves arranged spirally when young, and overlapping when older. The tree produces massive cones, up to 30cm long, which start off green and ripen to brown. These cones contain edible nuts. The kernels from the bunya pine cones are a significant food source for native Australians. Aboriginal families would own a group of trees and pass them down from generation to generation. Harvest festivals would occur every two to seven years, where people from different regions would gather in the Bon-yi Mountains to feast on the kernels. These gatherings involved Aboriginal ceremonies, dispute settlements, fights, marriage arrangements, and trading of goods. The bunya pine tree holds cultural significance for the Aboriginal people, as it represents hereditary personal property owned by them.

Common names

Bunya Pine, Queensland Pine, Bunya Bunya

How to care for Bunya Pine

Difficulty

Bunya Pine presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Bunya Pine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Bunya Pine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Bunya Pine thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Bunya Bunya.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Bunya Pine. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Bunya Pine should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Bunya Pine’s native range is South America and Oceania.


More info:
Wikipedia