SafePlants

Cook Pine (Araucaria columnaris)

The Cook Pine, scientifically known as Araucaria columnaris, is a distinctive conifer native to New Caledonia. It is also commonly called New Caledonia Pine or Cook Araucaria.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant contains large seeds that are similar to pine nuts.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Araucaria columnaris
• Family: Araucariaceae
• Common Names: Cook Pine, New Caledonia Pine, Cook Araucaria

Distribution and Habitat

• Araucaria columnaris is native to New Caledonia, particularly the Grande Terre (Province Sud), Isle of Pines, and the Loyalty Islands.
• It grows in dense clusters on the coast.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The Cook Pine is a columnar tree that can reach up to 50 meters in height.
• It has paper bark.

Quirky Facts

• Captain James Cook, while on his second voyage to New Zealand, discovered the Isle of Pines in 1774 and named it after the prominent pine trees he observed.

Ecological Role

• Columnar pine forests dominate the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The large, edible seeds of Araucaria columnaris are similar to pine nuts and may play a role in the local ecosystem.

Further Information

• You can find further information and explore maps related to Araucaria columnaris at the Plants-NRCS Logos database (Symbol: ARCO32).
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