araucaria

Araucaria is a term that comes from Arauco, name of a historical region of South America which currently identifies a peninsula, a province and a city of chili. The concept refers to a gender of trees.

Araucarias are part of the family group of the abietáceas, like larches, firs and pines. They can reach a height about 50 meters, with a cone-shaped crown and evergreen leaves.

Aracauria is a genus of trees.

Characteristics of the araucaria

It is possible to recognize different species of araucarias. All, as we already indicated, make up the group of abietáceas, with which we can mention several characteristics in common.

The abietáceas are gymnosperm plants: their carpels do not form a closed cavity to house the ovules, with which their seeds remain exposed. Gymnosperms, in turn, are phanerogams since their reproductive organs adopt a form of flower and they are visible.

Other features of abietáceas –and, therefore, araucarias– is that they have persistent leaves, unisexual flowers and seeds that appear protected by tight scales. As for the fruit, in the case of the araucaria it is drupaceous and stands out for the sweet taste of its almond (the seed of the drupáceos).

Some species

The araucaria is native to South American territory, although it also grows in Oceania and has been introduced in North America and in Europe. Its name derives from Arauco, also called Araucania, which is the area where the Araucanians or mapuche in the current Chilean south when the Spanish conquerors arrived.

These trees are common in steppes and in woods of the Patagonia, both of chili like Argentina. Certain species also develop in Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay.

Many times the word araucaria refers specifically to the Araucaria araucana, a species also mentioned as pehuén, araucaria pine or araucano pine. Despite frequent names, this conifer is not a Pine tree.

The Araucaria araucana It is a natural monument, being protected in several national parks. On Argentina It is also a species that receives protection to guarantee its conservation. In any case, this araucaria is highly valued in carpentry and construction for the quality of its wood.

Another species of the genus is the Araucaria angustifolia, call Brazilian araucaria, missionary pine or Paraná pine. It grows in sectors of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay and requires a climate subtropical.

The araucaria excelsa (Araucaria heterophylla), the columnar araucaria (Araucaria columnaris) and the australian araucaria (Araucaria bidwillii) also make up this gender.

Araucaria almonds, also called pine nuts, are a highly appreciated food.

The araucaria in the diet

Araucaria almonds, usually called pinions Because of their resemblance to the seeds of pine trees, they are edible. In fact, they have been important in feeding of aboriginal populations of America and of Oceania.

Currently with these pine nuts are made sweets, vinegars, dressings and liqueurs. They can also be made into flour and be prepared pickled and in soups, to mention other possibilities.

Regarding the nutritional properties of aracauria pine nuts, it should be noted that these almonds are a source of calories, carbohydrates and protein.