Araucaria heterophylla

An evergreen conifer. Its trunk grows rather straight, is grayish-brown and its bark peels off in delicate, mottled pieces. The tree grows horizontal branches symmetrically: each floor of branches always contains five symmetrical branches that create a perfect star shape. The tree’s leaves are scaly to coniferous and are an outstanding bright green. The tree bears handsome conifer cones. Its canopy shape is pyramidal and is very attractive. This is quite a strong evergreen tree that is well-suited to most parts of the country, except for the Aravah and high mountain regions. It also does not thrive in chalky or saline soil. The tree benefits from auxiliary watering to maintain its intense, vital color. The tree has a long lifespan.

Its special shape, its horizontal branches and its intense color make this tree particularly impressive in the Israeli landscape precisely because of its differences from local trees. Although it is a demanding tree, there are many large and successful specimens that are several decades old in Israel. This is a tree that is absolutely worth investing in.

When the tree is planted in areas prone to strong winds, Itay recommends planting the tree at an angle of 15–20° against the direction of the wind. That way, the tree will straighten out until it is established in its maturity.