Hoop Pine
Origin of name
Family: ARAUCARIACEAE
- Aracaria named after Araucania region of Chile
- cunninghamii in honour of Allan Cunningham
Occurrence
Occurs locally on Magnetic Is. & some mainland ranges, mostly in rock outcrops where forest fires seldom occur.
Requires well-drained soil and full sun/light-shade. Slow growing at first. Suits large, open areas. Drought-hardy when mature. Wind- & salt-tolerant. Suits pots when small. Popular bonsai plant. Pruning NOT advised.
Appearance
Large, straight tree (to 50m). Rough bark is brown & sheds in horizontal strips or ‘hoops’. Leaves narrow, short, sharp tipped. Branches bear cylindrical male cones & globose female cones producing seeds on winged scales.
Indigenous use: Warmed sap (a cement). Cockatoos chew seed cones. Habitat for native animals (e.g. nesting finches) & epiphytic plants. Produces very useful timber.
