Araucaria

Araucaria heterophylla is a distinctive conifer, a member of the ancient and now widely distributed family Araucariaceae. The genus Araucaria occurs naturally across the South Pacific, especially concentrated in New Caledonia where closely related and similar-appearing species are found. It is sometimes called a 'star pine', due to its symmetrical shape. They can grow to a height of 50-65 m. with straight vertical trunks and symmetrical branches, even in the face of incessant onshore winds that can contort most other species.