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Beware the falling Bunya-bunya cone!
Araucaria bidwillii, Bunya-bunya pine or false monkey puzzle tree is native to rainforest areas near the coast in SE Queensland, Australia. The Bunya-bunya has gigantic cones and razor sharp needles, and can grow up to 120 ft. of more. Close relatives are the Norfolk Island palm (Araucaria heterophylla) and true monkey puzzle tree (A. araucana). The large, female fruiting cones of the Bunya-bunya are the size of a small watermelon and can weigh up to 15 lbs. or more. They generally mature in summer through to early autumn but they are not formed every year (approx.once every three years).
It was considered a sacred tree and an important food source to the Australian Aborigines. The cones contain wedge shaped nuts that are similar in flavor to a chestnut.
This cone was collected on the ground by one of our Supervisors, Armando Diaz. (not on a property we maintain!) There is some real concern during fruiting season, as these extremely heavy cones can cause injury or damage to property.
Author: Leslie C. Photo credit, cones: Debra Moore
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Have one of these trees in my front yard. My grandfather planted it years ago, when I was just a babe (am 60 now) Just learned about the cones when one of them smashed through the back window of my Chevy Volt:( Thanks for posting the info...none of us knew exactly what kind of tree this was.
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