This summer I spent one of my weekends not far from Heidelberg. I decided to use the free time and make a small trip to the city. On the first day I visited the Heidelberg's castle and the city (pictures from that day will definitely appear on my profile some day). But on the second day I went to the botanical garden. I just wanted a quiet walk surrounded by plants… and that is when I saw something I had never seen before. 😀
Right in front of me stood a huge, several-meter-tall tree that looked like a giant, exotic Christmas tree. 😅 Its shape immediately caught my eye — long, sharp branches arranged in a perfect spiral. It looked both beautiful and a little unreal. I had no idea what species it was so of course I had to make a resaerch.
And that is how I learned about ARAUCARIA ARAUCANA also known as the monkey puzzle tree. It is one of the oldest tree species on Earth!! 😮 Scientists believe it existed already in the time of dinosaurs which makes it a true living fossil.
The branches are covered with very tough, scale-like leaves that protect the tree from animals and harsh weather.
In its natural environment — Chile and Argentina — it can grow up to 40–50 meters tall and live for more than a thousand years!
Because of its unique look and history many botanical gardens in Europe plant it as a curiosity. And I understand why — this tree really stands out. I visited already many botanical gardens in Europe but this was the first time I saw this tree.
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This post is based on my own experience and original photography. AI was used for grammar correction and for supporting the translation process
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