Aracaria

Aracaria is a genus of conifers belonging to the family Araucariaceae. The genus is native to South America, primarily found in the Atlantic Forest and the Andes mountain range. Aracaria species are characterized by their distinctive symmetrical, umbrella-like or star-shaped crowns, and their hard, resinous wood. They are often referred to as "monkey puzzle trees" due to their sharp, spiky leaves that are said to make it difficult for monkeys to climb them, though this is more of a folk etymology.

The most well-known species within the genus is Aracaria araucana, commonly known as the monkey puzzle tree. This species is native to Chile and Argentina and is notable for its ancient lineage, with fossil evidence suggesting its ancestors were widespread during the Jurassic period. Another significant species is Aracaria angustifolia, the Paraná pine, which was once abundant in southern Brazil but is now critically endangered due to extensive logging and habitat loss.

Aracaria trees are evergreen and dioecious, meaning individual trees are either male or female. They produce large, cone-like reproductive structures. The seeds of some Aracaria species are edible and have been an important food source for indigenous peoples in their native regions. Due to their unique appearance and ecological significance, several Aracaria species are protected, and conservation efforts are underway to preserve their populations and habitats. The genus is of considerable scientific interest for its evolutionary history and its role in its respective ecosystems.