Description
Very large narrow tree often with a lean towards the top. New Caledonia.An almost spectacularly columnar tree 40-60m tall,native to S New Caledonia and the nearby Isle of Pines and Loyalty Island whre it is found as pure stands on the coastal coral soils.It is the only species of araucaria that grows on calcareous soils. The columnar shape is maintained by the re-growth of side branches after they have been shed or removed by cyclones.The juvenile leaves are triangular to lanceolate,6-12mm long and 3-5mm wide;the adult ones shorter and densely overlapping,producing a cord-like branch tip.The Cones are ellipsoid,10-15x7-11cm.Not hardy in cool temperate regions.Hardiness zone 9.