Botanical name: Araucaria cunninghami Mudie
Common Names:Hoop pine, Richmond River pine, Colonial pine
Etymology:
Generic Name:
The generic name "Araucaria" is derived from the Arauco district in Southern Chile, where these trees were first discovered.The specific epithet honors botanist Allan Cunningham, who collected the first specimens in the 1820s
Family :Araucariaceae
Nature : Tree/Gymnosperm
Female Cone Timing:August to February
Distribution:Native to New Guinea and the eastern coast of Australia Cultivated in most parts of India for ornamental purposes
Gardening Notes:
Soil:Can grow in a variety of soils
Moisture: Needs regular watering during early stages of development
Propagation:By seeds and occasionally by cuttings
Importance:
Leaves: Alleviate respiratory symptoms like coughs and bronchial congestion and exhibit antimicrobial activity against various pathogens and infections
Bark: Bark extracts serve as a digestive aid, promoting digestive health and alleviating digestive issues, while also being used topically to treat skin conditions and promote wound healing
Overall Plant: Certain compounds found in various parts of the plant possess antioxidant properties, which can help in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body and reducing oxidative stress
Plant Description:
Growth Form : Tall, cone-shaped, monoecious, evergreen tree
Root System :Tap root, branched
Stem:Erect, cylindrical, woody, solid, branched; dark grey-brown bark, rough and scaly
Leaves:Minute, sessile, young leaves are glaucous with entire margins, dark green, spirally arranged; mature leaves resemble scales, are much smaller, and closely arranged in whorls
Cones:Male cones form dense clusters of cylindrical spikes; female cones are round, green when young, turning brown at maturity, and can grow up to 4 inches
Seed:Winged