Araucaria excelsa Seeds | Norfolk Island Pine
LATIN NAME: Araucaria excelsa (syn. Araucaria heterophylla)
COMMON NAME: Norfolk Island Pine
Plant Profile
Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria excelsa, syn. Araucaria heterophylla) is a stately evergreen conifer of the araucaria family (Araucariaceae), endemic to tiny Norfolk Island in the South Pacific. It reaches 50-65 m in the wild, with a perfectly symmetrical, tiered crown of soft, awl-shaped needles. Young plants are among the most popular indoor conifers worldwide, and the species is now endangered in its native habitat.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the Araucaria group, Araucaria excelsa (syn. Araucaria heterophylla) is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Norfolk Island pine’s naturally symmetrical, tiered branching pattern, so regular it almost looks architecturally designed, has made it a subject of interest in plant developmental biology research examining genetic and hormonal control of branch whorl formation in conifers. In the laboratory and trial ground alike, it serves as workable material for propagation research and line selection.
Uses & Benefits
Norfolk Island Pine works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Grown as a houseplant, Norfolk Island pine is an enormously popular small potted conifer, particularly associated in North America with tabletop Christmas tree displays thanks to its neat, symmetrical form at a manageable size. In its native habitat and in favourable outdoor climates it grows into a genuinely towering forest tree, a striking contrast to its familiar houseplant scale. Given the right start, it carries on with minimal intervention.
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
Norfolk Island Pine grows readily from seed. Fresh seed is best; sow it into a loose, well-drained mix and keep it warm and consistently moist. Bright, indirect light suits young seedlings well, particularly if being raised as an indoor plant, and growth is slow and steady in early years, typical of this long-lived conifer. Use a fine, free-draining seed compost, scatter the seed evenly, cover it lightly and hold it just moist in good light. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
The traditional uses covered above are what first made this species worth cultivating. Norfolk Island Pine earns its space through character rather than fuss. Fresh seed sown into evenly moist compost is most of the battle won.
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