Distinctive and spiky, the monkey puzzle has been making strong impressions since dinosaurs roamed the earth. These days, jays and squirrels feast on its nuts.
Reaching up to 30m in height, monkey puzzle has a stout, almost cylindrical trunk with smooth bark that has a purplish-brown colour. The base of a large tree can resemble an elephants foot.
Look out for: the distinctive leathery leaves and the sharply pointed scales of the cones.Identified in winter by: its evergreen features as it keeps its leaves year-round.
The monkey puzzle tree, also known as the Chilean pine or pehuén, is one of the most distinctive and visually striking trees in the world. Native to Chile and Argentina, this unusual evergreen conifer has been puzzling monkeys and humans alike for millions of years with its spiky, tangled branches and prehistoric appearance.
In this article, we’ll take a photo tour of the monkey puzzle tree and look at what makes it so unique:
Interesting Facts About the Monkey Puzzle Tree
-
The monkey puzzle tree can live up to 1,000 years. Some existing specimens in Chile are over 500 years old.
-
The trees keep their lower branches for life forming a pyramid shape Mature heights reach 115-180 feet
-
The leaves are thick, rigid and scale-like, resembling reptile skin They overlap along the twigs
-
The “puzzle” in its name refers to the tricky challenge for a monkey to climb the spiky tangled branches.
-
It’s the national tree of Chile and appears on the country’s coat of arms.
-
Monkey puzzle wood is used in Chile for construction, furniture and tool handles.
Striking Features and Visual Texture
The twisted, spiked form of the monkey puzzle tree makes for dramatic, eye-catching photographs. Here are some if its notable features:
-
The intricate, scaly leaves have a reptilian texture with sharp pointed tips. Close-up shots capture this spiny detail.
-
The tangled, chaotic branching structure forms a criss-crossed web against the sky. Images taken underneath the canopy emphasize this.
-
Unlike most conifers, the lower branches are retained as the tree ages, creating a pyramid shape. Photos showcase this distinctive silhouette.
-
Rows of monkey puzzle trees convey an otherworldly, exotic presence. Their spiky crowns stand out in forest scenes.
-
Creative photos make use of the spidery branch patterns. Backlit images and silhouettes highlight the shapes in black.
Habitat and Range
Monkey puzzle trees grow in temperate rainforests in the Andean foothills of South America. Prime spots to view them include:
-
Conguillío National Park in Chile, with over 60,000 acres of old-growth araucaria trees set against the dramatic Llaima volcano.
-
Santa Cruz and Chiloé in Chile, where they grow among other evergreens like tepa and coigüe in lush Valdivian temperate rainforests.
-
Lanín and Nahuel Huapi National Parks in Argentina, home to ancient pehuén forests with trees over 1000 years old.
-
Tierra del Fuego in Argentina, where they thrive in cold, subpolar forests. The extensive stands are in the northernmost regions.
-
Cordillera Pelada Nature Reserve in Argentina protects pehuén trees and has easy public access for viewing.
Cultivated as an Ornamental Around the World
Beyond its native range, the monkey puzzle tree is grown worldwide as an ornamental for its unusual profile. Cultivated specimens can be found in:
-
Botanical gardens, like the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew in England and Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York. The shapes add visual interest.
-
Large estates, parks and gardens, prized as specimen trees. Their size can be restricted by pruning for residential lots.
-
Public landscapes, where mature trees may reach 60 feet or more after decades of growth. The canopies provide unique texture.
-
Cities like Paris and Zurich, where they thrive as distinctive urban specimens. Their strange beauty stands out.
Capturing the Enduring Appeal
With its historic longevity, distinctive form and exotic beauty, the monkey puzzle continues to fascinate. Getting creative with angles and perspectives when photographing it can showcase the tree in all its glory. It adds visual intrigue to any shot.
The monkey puzzle has been puzzling monkeys for millions of years. But as this photo tour demonstrates, this ancient, spiky giant also captivates humans. It’s an enduring source of inspiration for photography and art.
Where to find monkey puzzle
Monkey puzzle is native to central and southern Chile and western Argentina. It was first brought to the UK in 1795. It became very popular during the Victorian and Edwardian era and is now widely planted as an ornamental in parks and gardens.
It is widely planted for ornamental purposes.
Credit: Dundee Photographics / Alamy Stock Photo
Credit: Studio Beam / Alamy Stock
In its native South America, monkey puzzle is home to the slender-billed parakeet and over 70 species of endemic insects. In the UK, its seeds are dispersed by jays and squirrels.
The common name of monkey puzzle was coined during the mid-1800s when Charles Austin, a noted barrister, on seeing the tree for the first time commented that climbing the spiny, spiralling branches would be a puzzle even for a monkey.
It is said that speaking while passing one will bring bad luck or cause you to grow a monkeys tail. There is an old Fenland belief that planting a monkey puzzle on the edge of a graveyard would prevent the Devil from entering during a burial. This link with the Devil extends country-wide; many even believing that the Devil lives in the monkey puzzle tree. It is possible that this story of the Devil living in the tree was invented by concerned parents trying to stop their children climbing the spiky branches.
Credit: Krystyna Szylecka / Alamy Stock Photo
What does monkey puzzle look like?
Credit: Charistoone Photo / Alamy Stock Photo
Green, spiky, stiff, leathery, glossy and triangular-shaped. They are thick and broad at the base, sharp at the edges and tips, and are arranged in a spiral around the trunk.
Credit: Krystyna Szylecka / Alamy Stock Photo
Monkey puzzles are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Male catkins (pictured), are 10-centimetre-long clusters of narrow green stamens which turn yellow and then brown at the end of summer. Female catkins are spiny cones.
Credit: Chris Warham / Alamy Stock Photo
Cones are green and gold, with hair-like edges. They grow at the tips of branches. Cones ripen over two or three years and eventually turn brown and release large brown seeds.
Trees woods and wildlife
Download our free Tree ID app for Android and iPhone to identify the UKs native and non-native trees. Its an A-Z tree guide in your pocket.
This species has been around for 200 million years, when dinosaurs still roamed the earth. Its spine-like needles acted as protection from ancient grazing animals.
USEFUL Tips and Tricks on Growing Monkey Puzzle Trees
FAQ
Where is the best place for a monkey puzzle tree?
Where to grow a monkey puzzle tree. Grow in a sheltered spot in full sun or partial shade in fertile, moist but free-draining soil. Give it plenty of space as it will ultimately reach a height and width of 25m x 10m – this tree is only suitable for a large garden.
Why do they call it a monkey puzzle tree?
Jay. The common name of ‘monkey puzzle’ was coined during the mid-1800s when Charles Austin, a noted barrister, on seeing the tree for the first time commented that climbing the spiny, spiralling branches would be a puzzle even for a monkey.
How quickly does a monkey puzzle tree grow?
Answer and Explanation: Monkey-puzzle trees are relatively slow-growing trees, especially in their early lives. For the first five to ten years of their lives, they are unlikely to grow above grass level. Once they hit that mark, they tend to grow at a rate of about 35 centimeters per year.
What is the superstition about monkey puzzle trees?
Over here, our jays and squirrels find the seeds yummy. An old English belief is that the devil lives inside monkey puzzle trees, and that walking past one will bring you bad luck or even make you grow a monkey’s tail.
How many monkey puzzle tree photos are there?
Browse 948 monkey puzzle tree photos and images available, or search for monkey puzzle tree white background to find more great photos and pictures.
What is a monkey puzzle tree?
Monkey puzzle tree is an evergreen conifer that grows in mountainous regions of South America. The unusual appearance of its branches make it a unique option in warmer climates where the tree can survive the winter. Monkey puzzle trees thrive in full sunlight and most types of fast-draining soil, as long as they gets lots of water.
What is Monkey Puzzle wood used for?
Monkey puzzle wood is used in Chile for construction, furniture and tool handles. The twisted, spiked form of the monkey puzzle tree makes for dramatic, eye-catching photographs. Here are some stunning images highlighting the unique features of this tree:
What does a monkey puzzle look like?
Distinctive and spiky, the monkey puzzle has been making strong impressions since dinosaurs roamed the earth. These days, jays and squirrels feast on its nuts. Monkey Puzzle can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a thick, almost cylindrical trunk with smooth, purple-brown bark. The base of a large tree can resemble an elephants foot.
How tall do monkey puzzle trees get?
While they’re slower in their first 5 years, monkey puzzle trees can be expected to gain height by around 1 foot (30cm) per year, or at most 2 feet (60cm) in the best conditions. A 10-year-old specimen will typically be around 6m (20 feet) tall and with a spread diameter of 3m (10 feet). How big do monkey puzzle trees get?
Where does monkey puzzle grow?
Monkey puzzle is native to central and southern Chile and western Argentina. It was first brought to the UK in 1795. It was very popular in the Victorian and Edwardian eras and is now often grown as a flower in parks and gardens. It is widely planted for ornamental purposes. Credit: Dundee Photographics / Alamy Stock Photo