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Monkey puzzle tree, Araucaria araucana. Endangered
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Monkey puzzle tree, Araucaria araucana. Endangered
Monkey puzzle tree, Araucaria araucana (Araucaria imbricata). Endangered. Handcoloured lithograph from Louis van Houtte and Charles Lemaires Flowers of the Gardens and Hothouses of Europe, Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l Europe, Ghent, Belgium, 1862-65
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Media ID 23175766
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Araucana Araucaria Chilean Endangered Flore Hothouses Houtte Imbricata Lemaire Monkey Pine Puzzle Serres Tail
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Monkey Puzzle Tree: A Rare and Endangered Araucaria Species The Monkey Puzzle Tree, scientifically known as Araucaria araucana (previously known as Araucaria imbricata), is a unique and intriguing evergreen conifer native to the valleys of central Chile and southwestern Argentina. This handcoloured lithograph, part of the Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l'Europe (Flowers of the Gardens and Hothouses of Europe) series by Louis van Houtte and Charles Lemaires, captures the tree's distinct beauty and mystery. The Monkey Puzzle Tree derives its common name from the challenge it posed to early explorers. Its dense, interlocking branches, which resemble a monkey's puzzle, make climbing the tree a difficult and time-consuming task. The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a distinctive, conical shape. Its scaly, blue-green leaves are arranged in overlapping, imbricate scales, giving the tree its alternative name, Araucaria imbricata. Unfortunately, the Monkey Puzzle Tree is now considered endangered due to deforestation and overexploitation for commercial purposes. Its dense wood, which is highly valued for its durability and resistance to rot, has led to widespread logging, threatening the survival of this remarkable tree. This lithograph, created in the mid-19th century, serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the world's natural wonders for future generations to appreciate. The Monkey Puzzle Tree's unique appearance and intriguing history make it a fascinating subject for botanical illustration. This handcoloured lithograph, produced by the renowned Belgian horticulturist Louis van Houtte and the skilled botanical artist Charles Lemaires, is a testament to the beauty and importance of the natural world. The intricate details captured in the illustration showcase the tree's distinctive features and provide a glimpse into the past, when the Monkey Puzzle Tree was still a rare and mysterious sight for many Europeans.
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