The Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria araucana) Features Unique Spiky Leaves. Scientists believe that this tree species has evolved to possess unusual characteristics to defend against long-necked dinosaurs. However, this species is currently facing the threat of extinction.
Reaching heights of up to 160 feet (48.8 meters) and capable of living for a millennium, this tree has existed since the Jurassic period—over 145 million years ago. Araucaria araucana has outlasted the dinosaurs.
Araucaria araucana has outlasted the dinosaurs.
However, today scientists assert that this tree species is at risk of extinction. It is widely planted in gardens and parks around the world. Yet, in the wild, this tree only grows along the volcanic slopes of Patagonia in Chile and Argentina.
Wildfires, land clearing, grazing, and excessive logging have diminished the temperate forests where Araucaria araucana thrives. The seeds of this tree are also a valuable food source for the long-tailed parrot.
Research shows that long-tailed parrots can actually help the Araucaria araucana survive in Patagonia. These birds act as a “tool” against the threat posed by human overharvesting of seeds.
Long-tailed parrots typically take seeds and consume them from a tree top a few meters away. Usually, the parrots only eat part of the seed. In fact, the parrots’ removal of part of the seed coat has enhanced the germination rate of the tree’s seeds. Furthermore, long-tailed parrots play a role in seed dispersal, meaning that seedlings will be farther away from the parent tree.
According to Gabriela Gleiser and Karina Speziale—researchers at the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research of Argentina at the National University of Comahue—long-tailed parrots are not the only “inhabitants” that consume these seeds. The seeds are also a traditional food source for the indigenous Mapuche people.
However, human seed harvesting poses a significant threat to the reproduction of Araucaria araucana. Illegal harvesters have nearly depleted the seed supply.
The seeds damaged by long-tailed parrots are collected by local people. Thus, the seeds that are partially eaten by the parrots can still germinate. The life of the Mapuche people is closely tied to the Araucaria araucana tree.
However, this connection was nearly severed during the colonial period. The Mapuche are now replanting Araucaria trees and rediscovering the ancient practices of their ancestors. The goal is to cultivate seeds sustainably and allow the Araucaria to thrive once again.
