Bunya nut

Bunya Nut

The Bunya Nut (Araucaria bidwillii), also known as the Bunya Pine, is a large evergreen coniferous tree in the plant family Araucariaceae. It is native to south-eastern Queensland with two small disjunct populations in north eastern Queensland's World Heritage listed Wet Tropics, and many fine old specimens planted in New South Wales, and around the Perth, Western Australia.

Description

The Bunya Nut tree can grow up to 30–45 meters tall. The leaves are flat, triangular, 1–3 cm long, and prickly. The cones are large, soft, and cylindrical, 15–30 cm long and 10–14 cm in diameter. They disintegrate at maturity to release the large seeds.

Uses

The Bunya Nut has been an important food source for Aboriginal Australians for thousands of years. The nuts can be eaten raw or cooked, and have a taste similar to chestnuts. They can also be ground into a flour and used for baking. The wood of the tree is used for making furniture and other wooden items.

Cultivation

The Bunya Nut tree is a popular ornamental tree in parks and large gardens. It prefers a subtropical climate but can tolerate temperate climates if there is no severe frost. The tree is slow growing but long lived, with some specimens known to be over 600 years old.

Conservation

The Bunya Nut tree is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction, but its habitat has been significantly reduced due to land clearing for agriculture and urban development. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting remaining populations and restoring habitat.

See also

• Araucaria
• Aboriginal Australians
• Queensland