Araucaria cunninghamii Seeds | Hoop Pine
LATIN NAME: Araucaria cunninghamii
COMMON NAME: Hoop Pine
Plant Profile
Hoop Pine (Araucaria cunninghamii) is a distinctive species, native to slower-growing native rainforest hardwoods. Its open flowers are a reliable stop for bees and other pollinating visitors. Taken as a whole, it is a plant that repays a little attention many times over.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the Araucaria group, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. As an emergent rainforest species reaching well above canopy, it also features in tropical forest structure research examining ecological role of towering trees in supporting rainforest biodiversity. In the laboratory and trial ground alike, it serves as workable material for propagation research and line selection.
Uses & Benefits
Hoop Pine brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Hoop pine timber is highly valued for furniture, plywood and general construction across Australia, supporting a significant commercial softwood plantation industry in Queensland. In its natural rainforest habitat, mature emergent trees provide important habitat structure well above surrounding canopy, supporting a range of canopy-dependent wildlife found nowhere else in forest profile. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Araucarias give two great foods: the pine-nut-like seeds of the monkey puzzle and the Brazilian pinhao, protein-rich staples of South American peoples, plus some of the most architectural silhouettes in the tree world.
Growing from Seed
Starting Hoop Pine from seed is simple and satisfying. Fresh seed germinates best; sow it into a loose, free-draining mix and keep it warm and consistently moist. Bright, filtered light suits young seedling well, and growth is naturally slow in early years, typical of a tree built to eventually tower above a rainforest canopy over a very long lifespan. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
This is a good pick for enthusiasts looking to diversify a collection, and Hoop Pine grows into a genuinely rewarding plant. It takes a little patience from seed, but that slower pace is typical of the species and no cause for concern.
Related Reading
If Hoop Pine appeals to you, these related plants are worth a look: