ARAUCARIA bidwilli (Bunya Pine)

The Bunya Pine (Araucaria bidwillii) is one of the great Australian trees, a survivor from the age of the dinosaurs with a dark symmetrical dome and stiff, spine tipped leaves. In a garden it reaches around 15m tall and 8m wide over decades, well short of the 45m it manages in wild rainforest. These are ex ground specimens dug at 8m and above, so you are buying presence on day one rather than a seedling for the next generation.

Why you'll love it

• An instant landmark. Ex ground trees at 8m and above give a canopy and a skyline the day they are craned in.
• A form nothing else matches. The domed crown and spiralled foliage are recognisable from the street.
• Genuinely tough. Frost hardy, drought tolerant, wind tolerant and comfortable in humidity, so it performs from cool temperate gardens to the tropics.
• Bush food with deep history. Mature trees carry cones of edible bunya nuts, which drew large gatherings in south east Queensland for thousands of years.

Where it works best

Large feature planting. This is a tree for an acreage lawn, a park or a substantial front garden. Allow at least 10m of clear radius so the dome can develop evenly.

Shade and avenues. The dense canopy throws real shade over seating or a driveway turning circle, and widely spaced trees make a memorable approach to a long drive.

Position it with care. Mature trees drop large heavy cones, so plant well clear of paths, parking, seating and play areas. On a small block that rules the tree out.

Growing Bunya Pine in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the most even crown, though young trees accept part shade. It suits tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens and is frost hardy once established. Very dry inland districts are a stretch without irrigation.

Soil. Deep, well drained soil suits it best. It is not fussy about type once the roots are away, and a mature tree is genuinely drought tolerant. Mulch 100mm deep, clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. An ex ground tree rebuilds its root system over two full seasons, so deep weekly soaks are not optional. After that, water in extended dry spells only. A slow release fertiliser each spring for the first few years is enough.

Growth and pruning. This is a slow grower, which is why an advanced tree is worth the money. Pruning is limited to lifting the lower branches for clearance. Wear gloves, because the leaves are sharply pointed.

What to expect when it arrives

Ex ground stock is field grown and dug to order, so these are not pot plants. The 8m and 10m to 12m specimens arrive root balled, and the site needs machine access, a prepared hole and a crane. Have the hole dug and irrigation sorted before delivery day.

Expect a full season of settling with little visible growth while the roots rebuild. Keep it staked and guyed for two years. Trees are delivered Australia wide, advanced and large stock is freighted at cost with specialist transport quoted, there is a minimum order of $300 before delivery, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• See the rest of our ex ground trees.
• Browse other Australian native trees.
• Compare options in feature trees.
• Read about the best canopy trees for shade.

Common questions

How fast does it grow?

Slowly, which is why advanced trees are sought after. A seedling takes decades to look like anything, whereas an 8m ex ground specimen delivers the effect immediately.

Are the cones a real hazard?

They are worth planning around. Mature trees drop large heavy cones without warning, so the tree belongs away from paths, parked cars, seating and play areas. Young trees do not cone, so this is a long term siting decision.

How much room does it need?

Plan for a mature spread of about 8m and give it a 10m clear radius. That rules out most suburban backyards.