Monkey Puzzle

Monkey Puzzle

The Monkey Puzzle is a rare and unusual South American evergreen tree is unique for its tiers of stiff, pendulous branches that are covered with dark green, short, sharp pointed leaves. Mature specimens around Portland were reportedly from seedlings handed out at the 1905 World’s Fair and are beloved by Portlanders for their awe-inspiring stature and wild ancient looking shape. Monkey Puzzles produce an edible nut that has been eaten by the Mapuche people of Chile for millennia and is still highly valued to this day. Monkey Puzzles are dioecious so require a male and female trees to produce nuts. Gender of seedlings will not be known for 5-10 years.

Latin Name: Araucaria araucana
Site and Soil: Monkey Tree likes 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Rootstock Description:
Pollination Requirements: Monkey Tree seedlings will become either male or female trees. A male and female tree are required for nut production.
Hardiness: Monkey Tree is hardy to approx. 0º F.
Bearing Age: 10 years
Size at Maturity: 30-40 ft. in height.
Bloom Time: Spring
Ripening Time: Late Fall.
Yield: 20+ lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Monkey Puzzle is not bothered by pests or diseases.
USDA Zone: 7
Sunset Western Zone: 4-9, 14-24