Araucaria cunninghamii
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Araucaria cunninghamii Common Names: Hoop Pine, Colonial Pine, Queensland
Pine, Dorrigo Pine, Moreton Bay Pine, Richmond River Pine Local Names: Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Division: Pinophyta Class: Pinopsida Order: Pinales Family: Araucariaceae Genus: Araucaria Species: Araucaria cunninghamii Synonyms: Eutacta cunninghamii (Aiton ex D.Don) Link, Eutassa cunninghamii (Aiton ex D.Don) G.Don Morphological Description Araucaria cunninghamii, commonly known as hoop pine, is a majestic evergreen coniferous
tree, typically reaching heights of 50–70 m, with exceptional specimens up to
80 m. It features a straight, cylindrical bole up to 30 m tall and 200 cm in
diameter at breast height. Key morphological characteristics include: · Stem: Straight, self-pruning, with grey-brown bark that peels in
thin, horizontal strips, giving the "hoop" appearance (Kew Science,
n.d.). · Leaves: Small, scale-like, subulate, 0.5–2 cm long, densely spiraled
around branchlets; juvenile leaves are softer and needle-like, while mature
leaves are rigid and sharp (Farjon, 2010). · Cones: Dioecious, with separate male and female cones. Male cones
are cylindrical, 2–5 cm long, producing wingless pollen. Female cones are
ovoid, 8–10 cm long, bearing a single winged seed per scale, maturing in 18–24
months (ScienceDirect, n.d.). · Seeds: Edible, winged, 2–3 cm long, dispersed by wind; seeds are
high in starch and consumed by native wildlife (Boland et al., 2006). The tree’s symmetrical,
narrow crown with horizontal branches makes it a striking feature in rainforest
landscapes (Australian National Botanic Gardens, n.d.). Distribution and Habitat Araucaria cunninghamii is native to eastern Australia (Queensland and northern New
South Wales) and extends to Papua New Guinea and parts of Indonesia (West
Papua). It thrives in: · Climatic conditions: Subtropical to tropical climates with mean
annual temperatures of 15–25°C and high rainfall (1,900–4,800 mm annually)
(Boland et al., 2006). · Altitude: Sea level to 1,000 m, occasionally up to 2,750 m in Papua
New Guinea, preferring ridges and slopes with well-drained, leached soils
(International Tropical Timber Organization, n.d.). · Soil types: Grows on volcanic, sedimentary, or ultramafic soils with pH
4.5–6.5; intolerant of waterlogged conditions (Farjon, 2010). · Ecological niches: Dominant in subtropical and tropical
rainforests, often forming pure stands or mixed with Fagaceae and Podocarpaceae;
a pioneer species in disturbed areas (Kershaw & Wagstaff, 2001). The species has been
introduced globally, including in Nigeria, South Africa, and India, for timber
plantations and ornamental purposes (International Tropical Timber
Organization, n.d.). Ethnopharmacology Araucaria cunninghamii has limited but notable traditional medicinal uses, with
recent studies validating some pharmacological properties: · Resin for kidney ailments: Indigenous communities in Australia used
resin dissolved in alcohol to treat kidney disorders, likely due to its
diuretic properties (Aslam et al., 2013). · Antibacterial activity: Essential oils from foliage and resin
exhibit antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (MIC 0.25–0.5 mg/ml), attributed to
sesquiterpenes and diterpenes like beyerene and sandaracopimaric acid (Verma et
al., 2014). · Anti-inflammatory potential: Leaf extracts contain phenolic compounds
and flavonoids, showing moderate inhibition of COX-2 enzymes (IC₅₀ ~100 μg/ml),
supporting traditional use for pain and inflammation (Sugita et al., 2025). · Antioxidant properties: Methanolic extracts from aerial parts
demonstrate significant antioxidant activity (DPPH assay, IC₅₀ 50–70 μg/ml),
linked to high phenolic content, suggesting potential in preventing oxidative
stress-related diseases (Sugita et al., 2025). · Antiviral potential: Limited studies suggest resin extracts may
inhibit certain viral enzymes, though specific data on A. cunninghamii are sparse (Aslam et al., 2013). Phytochemical analyses
reveal sesquiterpenes, diterpenes (e.g., labdane-type), flavonoids, and
biflavonoids as key bioactive compounds, though further research is needed to
standardize extracts for clinical use (Frezza et al., 2020). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: No widespread toxic effects are documented
for Araucaria cunninghamii. However, potential risks include: Resin and sap: May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (contact
dermatitis) in sensitive individuals due to terpenoid content (Verma et al.,
2014). Pollen: May trigger respiratory allergies in rare
cases, particularly during peak pollen seasons (Farjon, 2010). Handling
with gloves and avoiding prolonged exposure to resin or pollen is recommended,
especially for those with known sensitivities (Aslam et al., 2013). Additional Uses · Timber: Highly valued for lightweight, strong, and fine-textured
wood used in construction, furniture, plywood, and musical instruments.
Heartwood is pale yellow-brown with a pinkish tinge, resistant to termites
(International Tropical Timber Organization, n.d.). · Ornamental: Planted in parks and gardens globally for its symmetrical
crown and aesthetic appeal; widely used in Nigeria and South Africa (Australian
National Botanic Gardens, n.d.). · Ecological role: Emergent species in rainforests, providing
habitat for birds and mammals; seeds are a food source for native fauna like
cockatoos and possums. Used in reforestation and as a pioneer species in
degraded areas (Kershaw & Wagstaff, 2001). · Cultural significance: Revered by Indigenous Australian
communities; seeds were traditionally roasted or ground into flour (Boland et
al., 2006). References
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