National Tree of Chile

The monkey puzzle tree has grown in southern Chile and Argentina for over 200 million years. This gave it the name "Chilean pine", despite not being part of the pine genus.

The Araucaria genus is named after Araucanía (or Arauco), a region in south-central Chile, which is the native habitat of the tree.

It is sacred to the Indigenous Mapuche people, who rely on its seeds (piñones) as a traditional food source and regard the tree as spiritually significant.

The strong branches of this species have made it a powerful national symbol of resilience, endurance, and uniqueness. It is long-lived and slow-growing, traits that align with ideas of continuity and natural heritage in Chilean identity.

Due to illegal logging, and climate change, the monkey puzzle tree is endangered, therefore its status as the national tree encourages its conservation and protection.