Monkey Puzzle (Araucaria araucana) branches with female seed bearing cones, Lanin , Argentina, South America, December

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Auracaria is very slow growing conifer up to 40 m high Some are believed to be 300 years old Chilean National tree It's a descendent of the petrified pines found in the Bosques Petrificados The monkey puzzle nuts and its sharp leathery leaves were eaten by the Mapuche for centuries Some isolated trees are still regarded as sacred by the Mapuche who leave offerings to the tree's spirit Its cones weigh up to 1kg.

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Size: 5120px × 3336px
Location: Lanin , Argentina, South America
Photo credit: © KrystynaSzulecka / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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