Araucaria bidwillii

The Araucaria bidwillii, commonly known as the Bunya Pine, is a large, evergreen conifer native to Australia. This tree is known for its impressive height and unique, symmetrical form. In its youth, it has a pyramidal shape, which transforms into a distinctive egg-shaped silhouette as it matures, with upper branches growing horizontally and lower branches drooping toward the ground. The trunk is straight and unbranched, with dark brown to black bark that peels in scales.

The leaves of the Bunya Pine are stiff, needle-like, and arranged in a spiral pattern along the branches. They are narrow, triangular, and sharp to the touch, measuring between 1-5 cm in length. Their color is a vibrant green on the top and slightly paler on the underside. The tree is monoecious, producing both male and female cones on the same tree, typically after reaching around 14 years of age. The male cones are elongated and can grow up to 20 cm long, while the female cones, which mature between December and March, are significantly larger—up to 30 cm in length and 20 cm in width, sometimes weighing as much as 10 kg.

This slow-growing species is best propagated through cuttings due to its lengthy germination period, which can take from six months to a year to establish roots.

In Australian Aboriginal cultures, the Bunya Pine holds great significance. The seeds, known as “nuts” or “kernels,” are edible and were a vital food source for Indigenous communities. Traditionally, these seeds were eaten raw, boiled, or roasted, and were sometimes ground into a paste to make bread known as “mano.” The tree was highly valued, with specific groves passed down through generations as part of Aboriginal heritage.

The wood of the Araucaria bidwillii is also prized for its quality and is often used in the production of soundboards for acoustic guitars, fine cabinetry, and detailed woodworking.

While the Bunya Pine is not commonly found in Israel, it bears some resemblance to other Araucaria species in the region, although its foliage is distinct in both texture and form. This species offers a unique addition to gardens, appreciated for its historical significance and striking appearance.

Additional trees from the same family: אראוקריה בידוויל | אראוקריה רמה