# Norfolk Island Pine (*araucaria heterophylla*)

The Norfolk Island Pine is a tall, evergreen tree that looks like a giant Christmas tree! Its unique branches make it a fun and interesting plant to observe in nature.

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger
- **Habitat:** Norfolk Island and other subtropical regions.
- **Also known as:** Araucaria Pine, Norfolk Pine

![Norfolk Island Pine](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Araucaria_heterophylla_Norfolk_Island_0.jpg&width=800)

Photo: bertknot from scarborough, australia, CC BY-SA 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Araucaria_heterophylla_Norfolk_Island_0.jpg)

## Appearance

The Norfolk Island Pine is an evergreen conifer known for its remarkably symmetrical, pyramid-like shape and distinctly tiered branches. Its soft, bright green, needle-like leaves cover stiff, horizontal boughs, creating a majestic and formal appearance.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Pinopsida
- **Order:** Pinales
- **Family:** Araucariaceae
- **Genus:** Araucaria

## Interesting facts

- Its unique, perfectly symmetrical shape makes it look like it was designed by an architect!
- Many people use young Norfolk Island Pines as a unique, living Christmas tree indoors.
- The tree's wood was highly prized for ship masts due to its strength and straightness.
- This ancient tree family dates back to the dinosaur era, making it a living fossil!

## Special abilities

- **Wind Warrior:** Norfolk Island Pine has strong, flexible branches that help it withstand powerful coastal winds without breaking.
- **Self-Pruner:** Norfolk Island Pine can shed its lower branches naturally, helping it focus resources on upward growth.
- **Cone Constructor:** Norfolk Island Pine produces large, woody cones to protect its seeds, ensuring reproduction in its island home.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 5000-6500 cm
- **Spread:** 1000-1500 cm
- **Edible:** No
- **Toxicity:** None
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial
- **Pollination Method:** Wind

## Ecological connections

- **Shelter:** Norfolk Island Green Parrot (*Cyanoramphus cookii*) — Provides nesting sites and roosting spots for endemic parrots.
- **Shelter:** Norfolk Island Gerygone (*Gerygone modesta*) — Small native birds use its branches for cover and hunting insects.
- **Eats:** [Black Rat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-rat) (*Rattus rattus*) — Invasive rats often consume the large, nutrient-rich seeds from fallen cones.

## Traits

- [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.

## Collections

- [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants)

## Safety

**Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger

No special safety notes yet.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Norfolk Island Pine?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Norfolk Island Pine?

5000-6500 cm

### How wide does Norfolk Island Pine spread?

1000-1500 cm

### Is Norfolk Island Pine edible?

No

### Is Norfolk Island Pine toxic?

None

### What is Norfolk Island Pine's lifecycle?

Perennial

### How is Norfolk Island Pine pollinated?

Wind

### Where is Norfolk Island Pine usually found?

Norfolk Island and other subtropical regions.

## Where to spot

- [Sarasota Jungle Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sarasota-jungle-gardens) — Florida, US · Zoo
- [Lourizán Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lourizan-botanical-garden) — Galicia, ES · Park
- [Parque de Málaga](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/parque-de-malaga) — Andalucía, ES · Park
- [Marimurtra Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/marimurtra-botanical-garden) — Cataluña, ES · Park
- [Mathews Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mathews-park) — Florida, US · Park

[View all places to see Norfolk Island Pine](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/norfolk-island-pine)

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Norfolk Island Pine: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/norfolk-island-pine)