Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island Pine)


Michael's Opinion

A beautiful majestic tree that I long to be able to grow to maturity but in our climate it is at best a potted plant. Often used as potted Christmas trees they often fail because of the lack of humidity in our central heated homes.

Botanical Information

FamilyAraucariaceae
GenusAraucaria
Speciesheterophylla
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginNative to Norfolk Island.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH2
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-7 - (-1)
Temperature (°F)20 - 30
Height60 m
GrowthMedium

Description and Growing Information

CultivationEasy to grow in the proper climate in well drained soil but commonly grown in North America as a potted house plant. If this is the case humidity levels may become a problem and the foliage begins to dry out. Place the plant on a saucer of gravel and fill with water, mist the plant periodically and keep it away from any direct heat sources.
Leaf DescriptionJuvenile leaves to 4-10 x 2 mm, curved inwards and light green, bluntly pointed and soft. Mature leaves are 3-6 x 3-5 mm, scale-like with a blunt, incurved apex and a poorly defined midrib.
Flower DescriptionMale flowers to 4-7 x 1-1.7 cm.
Fruit DescriptionFemale cones to 7-10 x 8-11 cm.

Photographs