Araucaria cunninghamii
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Scientific
Classification:
Species
ID: NMP-263;wfo-0000260301;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 56994 Synonyms:
Common
Names: Hoop
pine. Other less commonly used names include colonial pine, Queensland pine,
Dorrigo pine, Moreton Bay pine and Richmond River pine Basic
Description:
Araucaria cunninghamii is a large evergreen tree that can reach heights
of 50 to 70 meters, with a straight, cylindrical bole up to 30 meters tall and
200 cm in diameter. The tree exhibits a symmetrical, narrow crown and
horizontal branches. Its leaves are small, scale-like, and arranged densely
along the branches. The species is dioecious, producing separate male and
female cones on the same tree. The seeds are winged and dispersed by wind. Distribution
and Habitat:
Native to coastal regions of eastern Australia, particularly Queensland and New
South Wales, A. cunninghamii also extends to parts of Papua New Guinea
and Indonesia. It thrives in subtropical and tropical rainforests, often found
on ridges and slopes with well-drained soils. The tree prefers elevations up to
1,000 meters and requires a mean annual rainfall between 1,900 to 4,800 mm. Medicinal
Properties:
The resin exuded from the bark of A. cunninghamii has traditional
medicinal applications. When dissolved in alcohol, it has been used to treat
kidney ailments. Additionally, various species within the Araucaria
genus possess bioactive compounds with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and
anticancer properties, suggesting potential pharmacological uses. Known
Toxicity: There are
no widely documented toxic effects associated with Araucaria cunninghamii.
However, as with many coniferous trees, the resin and other plant parts may
cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It is
advisable to handle the tree and its exudates with care, especially for those
with known sensitivities. Additional
Information:
References: External
Links
More Pictures
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| Compounds of Araucaria cunninghamii |
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| References |
