Araucaria heterophylla Seeds | Norfolk Pine
LATIN NAME: Araucaria heterophylla
COMMON NAME: Norfolk Pine
Plant Profile
Norfolk Pine (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
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Araucaria heterophylla, a representative of the araucaria family with clear practical value. Little about its garden performance is mysterious; it has been grown and observed for a very long time.
Uses & Benefits
Norfolk Pine works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. The Norfolk pine is a fine, bold tree of warm garden and study collection. It is a fine, bold tree of open, sunny, deep, well-drained garden. Give young trees warmth and deep, well-drained bed, and tiered whorls will form over the years. 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
Seed is the natural starting point for Norfolk Pine, and the process is uncomplicated. Surface-sow onto a light, well-drained compost, dust over a thin covering, and keep evenly moist and sunny until the seedlings show. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
Once established, Norfolk Pine largely looks after itself. Start with fresh seed, keep it evenly moist, and the plant does the rest itself.
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