Scientific Name: Araucaria bidwillii

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  • Pronunciation:
    arr-oo-KAIR-ee-ah bid-WILL-ee
  • Common Name:
    Bunya Pine
  • Type:
    Tree
  • Family:
    ARAUCARIACEAE
  • Status:
    Common
  • Fruit:
    Large woody cones 20-30 cm long, contain large nuts. Late summer
  • Flowers Color:
    White
  • Fruit Color:
    Green
  • Vegetation Type:
    Rainforest
  • Species List:
    Kin Kin Arboretum, Bush food, Janet, Upper Yandina Creek, RE 12.8.13. RE 12.12.16.
Cultural Notes

TAKE CARE! Some information about bush foods and medicines may be anecdotal. Correct identification and preparation is essential:

Tree of enormous significance to the indigenous peoples of the Blackall Range. Approximately every 3 years,a plentiful harvest was shared among 600-700 people. Timber similar to hoop pine. Bush food: The fruit was eaten raw, roasted, or pounded to flour to make a kind of bread. Can still be eaten raw when fresh, or boiled to make it easier to extract the nut from the hard shell. Can be sliced or pureed. The nuts flour can also be used to make breads

Identification Notes

Rounded crown ||Bark: dark brown rough and thick ||Leaves: form tufts at branch ends||

Landscaping Notes

Dry sites. Potted plant makes good Christmas tree. Indoor pot plant potential.||Frequently seen in older suburbs and gardens with trees well over 100 years old. Not suitable for small gardens, but excellent for large parks and acreages. ||