An exotically beautiful conifer whose primeval stirrings could have been witnessed by the dinosaurs. In outline the broad crown and long, pendulous branches that turn upward at the tips and reach nearly to the ground are unlike those of any other conifer on earth. Monkey-Puzzle Trees look best planted in a lawn or near a structure in a formal setting. Native to temperate mountains of southern Argentina and Chile, Araucaria araucana has also been successfully grown from northern Virginia to Long Island, where winters are moderate and summers do not have prolonged periods of excessively high temperatures. Plant in fertile, moist but sharply-drained soil, and protect from sweeping winds. Locating it where the roots are shaded will be helpful in keeping the roots cool, an important factor in success. Areas of relatively high winter humidity or near large bodies of water are also to its liking. Z. 7-9