Accession Count: 1
Common Name:
bunya-bunya
Family Name:
Araucariaceae
Botanical Name:
Araucaria bidwillii
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The bunya tree is a woody coniferous tree growing up to 50 m (150 ft) tall and with a potential trunk diameter of 150 cm (60 in) (2). The crown is pyramidal in younger trees but becomes broader and more dome-shaped at maturity (2). Branches are arranged in whorls and the bark is brown with flaky 2.5 × 7.5 cm (1x3 in) scales (2). Juvenile leaves are glossy, green, 2.5-5 cm (1-2 in) long, stiff, pointed at the tip and arranged in two rows on the branchlets (2). Mature leaves are also glossy, and green, but about 1/3 to ½ of the length of juvenile leaves, lanceolate or triangular-ovate in shape, leathery, lack a midvein, have many thin parallel veins, and are arranged radially around the branchlet (2). These monoecious trees, bear cones after 1-2 decades. Solitary, cylindric pollen cones, which are up to 20cm (8 in) long, develop in branch axils on short lateral branches in April and mature by September or October (2). Female seed cones are ovoid-subglobose, about 30 × 22 cm (8 in wide and 11 in tall), weigh up to 10 kg (22 lb), and are dark green with oblong-elliptic or oblong-ovate, wingless, relatively thick-margined bracts (2). These are produced between December and March up to 17 months after pollination (2). Cone contains 50-100 seeds that are about 2.5 cm (1 in) long, elliptical, wingless, and encased in a buff-colored integument (2).
Compound:
Ara bid
Geographic Origin:
Australia
Ecozone Origin:
Australasia
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The bunya pine grows in a two geographic regions of Queensland in rainforests – a large area in the south-east of Queensland and in two smaller areas in the far north (2). It is popularly observed in Bunya Mountains National Park, Queensland and in cultivated settings in warm temperate parts of Australia, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, and the United States (primarily in California) (2).
The genus name "Araucaria" refers to the province of Arauco in Chile, where other members of this genus are native. The species name is in honor of J.C. Bidwill (1815-1853), a botanical explorer. Following the species' discovery in 1837 by Tom Petrie, an amateur botanist, plant collector John Bidwill travelled to Queensland to retrieve samples which were cultivated in London in 1843 (2). The presence of this plant in cultivation, prompted William Jackson Hooker to describe the species and honor Bidwill in
the epithet (2). It has since become a popular ornamental tree in temperate climates which are warm enough to sustain it, especially in Australia, New Zealand, California, Portugal and Italy - many of which rival native trees in size and vigor (2). The fossilized trees of the Petrified Forest in Northern Arizona are close relatives to this plant.
Natural History of the UA Campus Arboretum Specimen:
Professor Phil Ogden in Range Management donated the campus Bunya-Bunya after raising it as a house plant. It was initially installed in a site that provided afternoon shade, but not much in the way of fertile soil (a recent parking garage with little fertility). Still, the tree grew to over 10 feet tall over the course of 7 years. In 2006, the tree was moved to a more humid area on the south side of Yuma Dormitory in the historic part of campus. The turf surrounding the building provides some radiant heat. The trees receives afternoon shade. In 2023, this specimen produced it first cone. In 2024, it was measured at 20 m (59 ft) tall and 10 m (30 ft) wide with a DBH of 147 cm (58 in) and nominated as an Arizona Magnificent Tree but failed due to hurricane force winds (>80 mph) that hit campus in July 2024.
Cultivation Notes:
Bunya nuts are slow to germinate. Germination occurs under humid, moist, shaded conditions, sometimes within the decomposing cones after 2-(7-11)-24 months after sowing (2). A set of 12 seeds sown in Melbourne took an average of about six months to germinate (with the first germinating in 3 months) and only developed roots after one year (1).It grows best on basaltic soils in areas 1100-1400 mm (43-55 in) of annual precipitation (2). If grown in rich, moist soil, problems with iron chlorosis are reduced (1). The species is hardy to USDA hardiness Zone 9h but has an extremely wide tolerance to temperature ranging from -4°C (25F) to 40°C (104F) (2).
Ethnobotany:
The bunya tree was used ceremonially by the native peoples within its range, who considered it a sacred tree. During the "Bunya season" the Aborigines would temporarily set aside their tribal differences and gather in the mountains for great Bunya Nut Feasts. The Koori people used to gather around the tree for tribal ceremonies, and feasts (2). The Aboriginal people gathered at the tree to receive strength from Mother Earth, arrange marriages, settle disputes, trade goods, dance and sing (2). The Kiabara tribe wore armbands made of bunya fiber to mark those who held office in the communities, dead trees were used as fuel, and the seeds, gum and roots were eaten as food (2).
The resinous wood is straight grained and easy to work. Therefore, it has become an important source of timber- especially for carpentry. The wood pulp is used for making paper. Its graceful form and distinctive leaves make this tree an important ornamental for frost-free locations. As an ornamental containerized specimen, it must be transplanted into the ground for additional root space once the bole reaches 1-3 m (~10ft) in height.
Height:
50 - 100 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Green
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
High Water Use
Citations:
1. Duffield, Mary Rose., and Warren D. Jones.
Plants For Dry Climates - How To Select, Grow And Enjoy. Lane Publishing Company, 1992.
