La Araucaria bidwillii It is a species of exemplary tree that is worth knowing. Not only because it has been used by aborigines for a long time, but because once its seed has been germinated, it will have a huge plant with a rather peculiar appearance.
Today we will be talking about a species that is considered today as the last survivor that belongs to the genus Araucaria. So we can tell you that if you have the opportunity to plant this plant, do not hesitate twice.
General data
This is quite a peculiar tree, since its development is one of the slowest of all the plants that you will find on our website. While it normally takes two to three weeks for a plant to germinate, it can take a whole year to germinate.
So it is quite difficult to cultivate if it is not cared for and provided with the right conditions. On the other hand, this plant has its origin in the country of Australia, but as such, the discovery of this species was made in Chile between 1815 and 1853.
Its scientific name, how could you deduce, is Araucaria bidwillii, but to make it easier for those who read us, It is also known under the common name of Araucaria. Before going to the characteristics, you should know that although it is a tree that can grow up to 40 meters in height, some can reach up to 50 meters.
Features Araucaria bidwillii
We start by saying that this plant has to be cultivated especially in environments where the climate is temperate. It is for this reason that it can be found without any problem in areas that are close to the coasts.
Its adaptation is quite versatile. Just as they can grow in soils that are quite fertile, so too they have the ability to thrive in areas that tend to be very dry. The growth of this plant is thanks to the seeds.
The only detail is that they are excessively slow to germinate. To give you an idea, of the 6 seeds that you take to put them in the germination process, some of them it will take up to 3 months to achieve it. The roots will begin to appear after the first year after germination has passed.
As for the leaves of this plant, it usually reaches a maximum of 5 cm long. Its forms are like pangs when the plant is in its young state. Already when it passes to the mature age, the leaves acquire a radial shape in their twigs.
While the leaves at a first stage are bright light green, over time this color changes and it becomes a dark green, but maintaining the brightness. At this point, the leaves grow to 8 centimeters in length.
These are lanceolate in shape, although they also tend to acquire an ovate triangular shape. The funny thing is that each leaf does not have a central rib as is usually seen in most species.
As for the fruit that this plant generates, it should be noted that the weight of its fruit reaches up to 110 kg. These are dark green and within them they have approximately between 50 and 100 seeds. It should be noted that the fruit reaches its maturity after three years of having developed.
Uses
Its main use, as superficially commented, is as Aboriginal power supply, so it is correct to say that the seeds of this plant are edible. But at the same time they are used to start the germination process.
But just as its seeds are edible, so are pine nuts. As for the seeds, these can be eaten both raw and cooked. On the other hand, the wood of this plant is quite flexible and very easy to work with.
So it is perfectly used for interior work and even to make matchboxes. But also you can make brooms and even small pots with its wood.
This plant is an incredibly unique species both for its traditional use in Australia, as well as for the simple fact of being one of the last species of its family. If you have the opportunity to acquire a plant of this, do not play it twice and plant it.