Bunya Pine Tree

Bunya Pine (Araucaria bidwillii) is one of the great Australian trees, and in a garden it behaves very differently to the 45m giants of the Queensland rainforest. Expect around 15m tall and 8m across within 10 to 15 years, held in a dark symmetrical dome on a straight trunk. It is frost hardy, drought tolerant and wind tolerant, it produces edible nuts in enormous cones, and it needs genuine space.

Why you'll love it

• A landmark, not a shrub. The domed silhouette is recognisable from a paddock away, and one tree sets the character of a whole property.
• Edible bunya nuts. Mature trees drop heavy cones packed with large nuts that are roasted or boiled, a food and gathering tradition for Aboriginal peoples of the Bunya Mountains over thousands of years.
• Tough across the country. Frost hardy, drought tolerant and wind tolerant, growing from tropical and subtropical gardens through to cool temperate districts.
• Australian native shade. The dense canopy throws deep, cool shade over a wide area with almost no intervention once established, and the tree will outlive the house beside it.

Where it works best

Acreage, rural blocks and large gardens. Allow an 8m spread and keep the trunk at least 8m from buildings, sheds and services. This is not a tree for a suburban courtyard.

Windbreaks. On an exposed property it stands up to wind and anchors the tall end of a mixed shelter belt.

Driveways and avenues. Matched rows at 10m spacing suit a long approach. Set the row back from the wheel tracks and away from parking bays, because the cones fall from height and can weigh several kilograms. Keep paths, seating and play areas outside the drip line for the same reason.

Growing Bunya Pine in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and open ground. It grows across tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate zones, and it is frost hardy, so inland and southern gardens are in range provided the tree has room.

Soil. Deep, free draining soil gives the best growth, though it copes with a range of types. On heavy clay, plant on a low mound and break up the surrounding ground rather than digging a narrow hole that holds water.

Water and feed. Water deeply once or twice a week through the first two summers, then let it fend for itself. A light complete fertiliser each spring for the first few years is enough.

Pruning. Almost none. Never cut the central leader, or the tree loses the symmetry that makes it worth growing. Lower branches can be removed as it lifts, and the leaves are stiff and sharply pointed, so gloves and long sleeves are not optional.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in six sizes. The 200mm pack of six and the 300mm plants are young trees, ideal for an avenue or shelter belt. The 400mm and 25L sizes are the practical middle ground for a single specimen, while 45L and 100L trees arrive with real height and a formed canopy.

Trees are packed to travel upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Growth is slow for the first two years while the roots build, then it lifts noticeably. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse Australian native trees
• Choosing a canopy tree for shade
• Plants that stand up to wind
• Compare trees by mature size

Common questions

How big does it really get in a garden?

Around 15m tall and 8m wide in 10 to 15 years. The 45m figure often quoted belongs to old rainforest trees, not a garden specimen.

When will it produce cones?

Not for a long while. Trees generally need 15 years or more before they cone, and many take longer. Plant it for the tree and treat the nuts as a bonus.

Will it grow in a cooler southern garden?

Yes. It is frost hardy and suited to cool temperate districts as well as warmer ones, though growth is slower in the cold.