How to Grow Bunya Pine
Araucaria bidwillii
Bunya pine is a large Australian native conifer related to the monkey puzzle, reaching 30-45m in its natural habitat. In the UK it is strictly a heated greenhouse or conservatory specimen as it cannot tolerate frost (minimum 5C). Grow in a large container of loam-based compost, provide bright light, and keep above 5C year-round. Produces massive edible cones (up to 10kg) containing large starchy nuts that are sacred to Aboriginal Australians. A striking architectural tree with a symmetrical dome-shaped canopy.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Requirements
Light
Bright light; full sun in greenhouse
Needs bright light year-round. In a heated greenhouse or conservatory, position in the brightest spot available. Benefits from maximum light in winter.
Watering
Keep evenly moist; reduce slightly in winter
Water regularly to keep compost evenly moist during the growing season. Reduce slightly in winter but never allow to dry out completely.
Fertilizing
Balanced feed monthly during growing season
Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser from spring to autumn. No feeding needed in winter.
Pruning
Do not prune; remove dead branches only
Like monkey puzzle, bunya pine does not regenerate from old wood. Only remove dead or damaged branches cleanly at the trunk. Never top or shape.
Growing Tips
Strictly frost-tender
Unlike its relative the monkey puzzle, bunya pine cannot tolerate frost. It needs a heated greenhouse or conservatory kept above 5C year-round in the UK. Not suitable for outdoor planting anywhere in Britain.
Massive edible cones
Mature trees produce enormous cones weighing up to 10kg, containing large starchy edible nuts. These are a traditional food source for Aboriginal Australians. Trees take 10-15 years before coning.
Symmetrical dome canopy
Bunya pine develops a distinctive symmetrical dome-shaped canopy with age, quite different from the tiered silhouette of its cousin the monkey puzzle. An impressive architectural specimen.
