Monkey Puzzle Tree

Botanical Identity: Monkey Puzzle Tree — Araucaria araucana. This tree is noted for its unique, spiky, symmetrical branches.

Field Journal Entry: While looking up today, I admired the intricate patterns of the Monkey Puzzle Tree’s branches. The symmetry is fascinating when viewed from below.

King James Verse: “And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind…” — Genesis 1:11

Fascinating Facts & Folklore: The name “Monkey Puzzle” supposedly comes from the idea that even a monkey would struggle to climb it. It’s a living fossil, going back to the time of the dinosaurs.

Traditional Uses & Global Customs: Historically, the seeds of the Monkey Puzzle Tree have been used as a food source by the indigenous Mapuche people of Chile and Argentina.

Care & Safety Cautions: The Monkey Puzzle Tree prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It’s generally hardy but its seeds can be mildly toxic if ingested in large amounts.

📍 Explorer Note: In today’s bumble I found the Monkey Puzzle Tree near Wantagh, NY.

🔖 Journal Tags: #MonkeyPuzzleTree #Green #

🏡 Love this print? This flower may be available as a fine-art print in the Flower Bumbles with Pegi Gallery Store.

Each print from Flower Bumbles with Pegi begins with a flower photograph taken during one of my everyday bumbles. The photographs featured in the Gallery Store are selected from these walks and made available as prints and other Flower Bumbles creations.