Araucaria angustifolia

(Bertol.) Kuntze

Brazilian-pine, Candelabra-tree

Araucariaceae Edible: Seeds, Gum, Nuts, Fruit 4,948 iNaturalist observations

foodtimber

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Summary

Araucaria angustifolia, the Paraná pine, Brazilian pine or candelabra tree (pinheiro-do-paraná, araucária or pinheiro brasileiro), is a critically endangered species in the conifer genus Araucaria. Although the common names in various languages refer to the species as a "pine", it does not belong in the genus Pinus.

Description

A large evergreen tree. It can be 30 m high. It has a bare trunk and wide flat crown. The leaves are long, flat and overlapping. They form two rows on the small branches. The leaves are 5 cm long and have a sharp point. The seed cones are 15 cm long. The tips of the scales curve back. The seeds are large. They can be 5 cm long.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Sap Seed Edible Uses: Seed similar to large pine nuts. A mealy texture and a somewhat sweet flavour, reminiscent of sweet potatoes. The seeds are extensively harvested in southern Brazil (Paraná, Santa Catarina and the Rio Grande do Sul states), and are important for the region's small population of natives (the Kaingáng and other Southern Jê). The seeds, called pinhão are a popular winter snack. An edible gum is obtained from the tree.

Traditional Uses

The seeds are roasted and eaten. The large kernels need to be boiled for some hours then the outer shells peeled off. The gum is also eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The species is widely used in folk medicine.

Distribution

A tropical plant. In Brazil it grows up to 500-900 m altitude. In Indonesia it grows between 500-1,800 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 9-12. Arboretum Tasmania. National Arboretum Canberra.

Where It Grows

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil*, Caribbean, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malawi, Paraguay, Peru, SE Asia, South America, Tasmania, Uruguay, West Indies, Zimbabwe,

Cultivation

The seeds are harvested from the ground after they fall. They are best sown fresh. Seeds sprout in a few days.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in individual containers. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 15c. The plants have a rather sparse root system and are best placed in their final positions as soon as possible.

Other Uses

A resin is obtained from the bark. The heartwood is light yellow to brown, often with purplish-pink veins; it is not clearly demarcated from the yellowish sapwood. The texture is fine and uniform, without prominent alternating bands of early and latewood; the grain is straight; there is no distinctive odour. The wood is light in weight, soft, not very durable, being susceptible to fungi, dry wood borers and termites. It can be slow to season, but with only a slight risk of checking or distortion; once dry it is moderately stable in service. The wood is easy to work with normal tools, though internal stresses in the wood may cause distortion in machining; nailing and screwing are good; glueing is correct. It is used for general building purposes, for framing lumber, interior trim, sash and door stock, flooring, furniture and veneer, as slats for Venetian blinds and also as backing for electrotypes. It is also used for plywood, pulp and paper; and locally to make musical instruments, boxes and matches. Useful as a fuel wood. Grown as an ornamental plant in parks of towns and cities of Chile, from Santiago to Valdivia. Special Uses Carbon Farming

Production

It grows rapidly.

Other Information

The seeds are sold in markets. They are a popular snack. In Brazil 3,400 tonnes of seeds are collected each year.

Notes

There are 19 Araucaria species. There are 13 species in New Caledonia.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Nuts	48.9	786	186	3.2	—	22.5	0.9	0.7
Gum	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Synonyms

Araucaria brasiliana A. Rich.Columbea angustifolia Bertol.Araucaria brasiliensis A. Rich

Also Known As

Cori, Curi, Curiuva, Parana-pine, Pinhao, Pinheiro-do-parano, Pinheiro, Pinho, Pinho-brasileiro, Pinheiro-brasileiro, Pinheiro-sao-jose, Pinheiro-macaco, Pinheiro-caiova, Pinheiro-das-missoes, Pino araucaria, Pino parana, Pohon arukaria brasil

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