Cook pine (Araucaria columnaris)

La Araucaria columnaris, columnar araucaria, also known as Cook pine or New Caledonian pine, is a tree that belongs to the genus of conifers. This is part of the 19 species that belong to the family named Araucariaceae.

Features

These are trees that have a huge size and its origin currently comes from the southern hemisphere, mainly from countries such as Chile, Argentina and New Caledonia, which are located in Oceania.

This has been demonstrated due to the fossils that were found in the northern hemisphere. Cook's pine is one of the species found on this planet for millions of years.

The preferred terrain of this tree are the slopes belonging to the Andes Mountains, this is why you can find forests of great importance of Araucaria columnaris in this area.

This is a tree that is characterized mainly by being narrow and having a shape similar to that of a cone, being able to measure up to about 60 meters high approximately.

The leaves that this pine has are narrow, with a shape similar to that of the punches and it has cones that have about 12 centimeters in diameter. On the other hand it is It is important to note that the germination of the seeds of this tree is by spikes.

Cook's pine is the only araucaria species found in New Caledonia. grows on calcareous soil, although it is capable of growing in other types of soils, for example those containing coral.

Araucaria columnaris care and cultivation

The most appropriate time to be able to transfer this plant to the garden or to place it in a pot is in the spring months, which is when the risks of frost have already passed. When it comes to transplanting to a larger pot, it is important to do it every two years.

You have to pay special attention to a series of minimum cares, such as:

Location

When these trees are fairly slow growing, it is recommended that they be sown in external areas, in semi-shade or in full sunlight. In the interior areas it can only remain a few years, after that time it is necessary for the plant to be taken outside.

Land

It is an undemanding plant, however it is desirable that the soil has excellent drainage, since otherwise it may be very difficult for it to develop enough roots. Apart from that there can also be problems due to excessive humidity.

Irrigation

It has to be every three or four days in the summer months and every six or seven days for the other days of the year, being important to avoid flooding.

When the plant is in a pot with a plate underneath, the excess water must be removed after 10 minutes after watering and you have to wait for the soil to dry, spacing the days between one watering and another.

Fertilizer

In spring and summer it is important to compostEither a compound of organic matter or a synthetic one.

If it is in the ground, a layer of compost or manure about three centimeters thick can be added at least once a month, but If it is in a pot, it is advisable to use liquid fertilizer.

Plagues and diseases

It is a very resistant plant, but it can suffer attacks from mealybugs which is usually possible eliminate them with the use of an insecticide. If the tree is young, you can use a cotton swab with a little pharmaceutical alcohol.

It can happen that the needles fall off and turn yellowish, this is not due to any pests, rather it may be receiving too much water or insufficient light.

Uses

In gardens it can be placed isolated or in some scattered groups. Its wood is used in the construction of houses, to make furniture, drawers, packaging, veneers, plywood, containers and boards.

The seeds of this pine can be eaten and have a large amount of carbohydrates.