Araucaria hunsteinii (Klinki Pine)


Michael's Opinion

This evergreen coniferous tree is one of a kind. It has a strange complexion and shape, yet still keeps the distinctive “pine-like” look and shape.

Botanical Information

FamilyAraucariaceae
GenusAraucaria
Specieshunsteinii
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginAraucaria hunsteinii is an evergreen tree that originates from Papua New Guinea. They're mainly found growing in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneGreater than 9a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)12.3 - 31.1
Temperature (°F)54 - 88
Height85 m
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThe Araucaria hunsteinii is an evergreen tree that displays a pyramidal form and large stature. The needles are wider and flatter than other coniferous evergreen species commonly known. The cones display an ovular profile with small spines protruding from the scales. The apical stems in most varieties display a similar spiked formations as the cones.
ID CharacteristicThe main characteristics to take note of are the large spacious branches that support the foliage and the large straight trunk the tree exhibits. The foliage itself has a spiraling needle design with yellow apical tips at the ends of branches.
ShapeThe general shape is similar to that of a ponderosa pine. Pyramidal in shape with the lower canopy often exhibiting the lack of branches due to natural occurrences.
LandscapeThis tree species is near threatened by the IUCN, hence why they are not commonly used in landscapes in the west. In Canada, they are especially not grown because of the lack of environmental conditions needed to be able to sustain a specimen.
PropagationPropagation is most commonly done through the seeds collected from wild specimens. There are accounts of grafting, but it is not known whether the grafted trees were able to survive.
CultivationSeeds can be sown into growing beds with overhead shade.
PestsThere are two main pests that are known to have affected Klinki pines in Papua New Guinea. Setomorpha rutella and unknown species of Microlepidopteras are so far recorded to have infested the tree. Hylurdrectonus araucaria, a species of weevil native to Papua New Guinea, is known to try and infest A. hunsteinii; however, it has little success because of the flat and thin needle margins.
HabitatThe A. hunsteinii is generally found in the highland areas of Papua New Guinea.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe lower bark of the tree has deeply brown coloured bark with fissures exfoliating in corky plates. The top portion of the tree displays red bark with a twisted, windswept form.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionSmall green leaf buds with small spikes, all facing one direction.
Leaf DescriptionThe needles are flat and fleshy, and are in a curved, sickle like shape. The adult needles are lanceolate in profile.
Flower DescriptionThe flowers are not very apparent and generally look like the cone they develop in to; they start off looking like the fuzzier, yellow, pollen covered version of a fully developed cone.
Fruit DescriptionThe cones are green or brown in colour, and are covered with small spikes facing in all directions.
Colour DescriptionThe colour of the Klinki Pine is comprised of red, green, and yellow. The bark on certain areas of the tree can display a deep red colour. The foliage is a lush attractive green, while the cones (when in the early stages) produce yellow pollen that covers the entire surface of the fruit.
Texture DescriptionThe texture of the Klinki Pine is rough but uniform.

Photographs