©Philip Precey
Monkey-puzzle
Scientific name: Araucaria araucana
The Monkey-puzzle tree is unmistakeable with its pyramidal shape, jutting branches and stiff, dark green 'spines' (its leaves). Widely planted in the UK's parks and gardens, it is threatened globally.
Species information
Category
Statistics
Height: up to 50mConservation status
Introduced, but naturalised species. Listed as Endangered on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
When to see
January to DecemberAbout
The Monkey-puzzle is a large, evergreen tree that has been widely planted in parks and gardens. It was introduced into the UK from Chile in the 18th century by a botanist who managed to grow the seedlings on his ship and then donated them to Kew. By Victorian times, it had become a popular tree to plant in gardens and even in plantations.How to identify
Monkey-puzzle trees are unmistakeable: they are pyramidal in shape, with horizontal branches jutting out from the trunk in tiers; the branches are covered in stiff, dark green spines that are actually leaves.Distribution
Widespread.Habitats
Did you know?
The name 'Monkey-puzzle' comes from the Victorian idea that the arrangement of the branches of the tree would puzzle any monkey trying to climb it.
Bob Coyle
Our gardens are vital for wildlife
The UK's gardens provide more space for nature than all the National Nature Reserves put together.
