Another ancient type of tree that once grew all over the world. There are 20 different species of Araucaria remaining, all from the southern hemisphere. Monkey Puzzle, with its instantly recognisable form, originates from Chile and Argentina and is also known as the ‘Chilean Pine’. First introduced to the UK in the 18th century, it was again collected by Archibald Menzies whilst accompanying Vancouver on his ship The Discovery. The trees are now quite common in UK parks and gardens, but sadly they are endangered in their home range.
