Araucaria bidxillii in the ground

Credit: Bidgee

Araucaria bidwilli summit

Credit: Ezequiel Vera

Araucaria bidwillii leaves

Credit: Tree Species

Male cones Araucaria bidwillii

Credit: M. Fagg

Pine cone Araucaria bidwilli

Credit: Rodmunch 99

Araucaria bidwillii, bunya pine

In its native province of Queensland, the Aborigines call it Bunya-bunya. It wasn't until the 19th century that this conifer of the Araucariaceae family, with its giant pine cones, inherited its Latin name. British botanist William Jackson Hooker renamed it Araucaria bidwilli in homage to his colleague and compatriot John Carne Bidwill.

How to recognize Araucaria bidwillii ?

Araucaria bidwillii is an evergreen tree that can reach 50 meters in height. Its conical habit becomes more spreading as the conifer ages.

The trunk is covered with dark-brown, cracked bark. It supports slightly drooping branches.

As with araucaria heterophylla, the thick, leathery leaves change in appearance over time. Light green in young trees, the triangular, spirally arranged leaves take on a darker hue in older conifers.

You have to wait until the Araucaria bidwilli is at least fifteen years old to see the pine cones appear. While the male cones, mere spikes of pollen, are insignificant, the pine cones measure up to 35 centimetres in diameter and weigh up to ten kilos! The seeds are edible. Ovoid in shape, they can reach ten centimetres in length.

Receiving a pine cone on the head is the only risk you run with Araucaria bidwillii. The species is not known to be toxic to humans or animals.

Our maintenance tips

Araucaria bidwillii need space. Plant them in the ground, away from other crops, so they can flourish. Once established, they'll be virtually maintenance-free.

Watering

Keep the soil slightly moist. Water only when the substrate is dry on the surface, for one or two centimeters.

Water with non-calcareous water at room temperature, without soaking the soil.

Thirty minutes after watering, empty any stagnant water from the cup. This will keep the roots dry and prevent them from rotting.

Repotting

Get a pierced pot. Its size depends on your situation. If you've just bought your Araucaria bidwillii, the container should be twice the size of the root ball. If you've already repotted the plant, one size larger than the previous pot will suffice.

Place a layer of universal potting soil on the bottom. Plant your Araucaria bidwillii in the center. The rootball should be three centimetres below the rim of the pot to form a watering trough. Add substrate and tamp gently.

Water to expel air bubbles and encourage rooting.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Araucaria bidwillii, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Fertilize your Araucaria bidwillii with a conifer fertilizer once a month. Follow the dosage and manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging the foliage.

Place a little compost at the foot of your Araucaria bidwillii to enrich the soil and accelerate growth.

Prune

Your Araucaria bidwillii does not need pruning. On the contrary, pruning could be detrimental to its growth.

You can, however, remove dead branches in early summer using a clean, sharp tool, such as pruning shears.

Plantation

Soak your Araucaria bidwillii. Meanwhile, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. You can place gravel at the bottom to improve drainage.

Plant your Araucaria bidwillii. The collar should reach ground level. Fill the hole with garden soil. But you can also add sand if your soil is heavy, or potting soil if it's poor.

Water generously to encourage rooting and remove air bubbles.

Seedling

Your seeds are more likely to germinate if you cold stratify them. Do this in winter so you can sow in spring.

Fill an airtight bag (e.g. A freezer bag) with potting soil for sowing and planting. Moisten the substrate. Bury your seeds in the potting soil, seal the bag and place it in the fridge for two months.

Check your mixture regularly to make sure it doesn't rot and remains moist. If any seeds germinate, you can remove them for planting.

Pour seedling soil into pots. Plant two to three seeds per pot.

Keep the substrate moist by spraying regularly.

Diseases / Threats

Aphids

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Araucariaceae - Araucariaceae
Type	Araucaria - Araucaria
Species	Araucaria bidwillii - Araucaria bidwillii
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs
Category	Tree
Tags	Edible fruit Beginner
Origin	Australia
Hardiness (USDA)	9a
Leaf color
Flower color
Fruit color