Did you know you can find a tree with giant pine cones in Monserrate?
09 Jun 2023
When strolling through the Mexican Garden, in the Park of Monserrate, no one fails to notice the protective structures that are present there: nets fixed to iron poles, which look like protective awnings. And that is exactly what they are. But why build them in this section of the park? It's simple: to make sure no visitor gets hit by a giant pine cone.
Yes, there are giant pine cones in Monserrate Park. They are the main feature of a tree called Araucaria bidwillii, also known as Queensland Araucaria, Bunya-bunya or Bunya pine. This species can reach 50 metres in height. Like the ‘typical’ maritime pine, it has needle-shaped leaves, the growth of the branches gives rise to a pyramid-shaped crown and it’s a coniferous species, meaning that it bears cone-shaped fruits - the well-known pine cones.
But the female Bunya-bunya pine cones are very different from the ones we used to pick to play with or make small decorations at home. These take up to two years to mature and can weigh between three and five kilos - some even reach 10 kilos. On average, they carry over a hundred giant edible pine nuts. On the other hand, male pine cones have dimensions more similar to those we know from everyday life.
These giant pine cones usually fall in the summer, more specifically in August, hence the presence of protective structures in Monserrate Park, in order to guarantee the safety of those who visit the monument. In addition, this and other trees around the monuments managed by Parques de Sintra are monitored by a specialised team, guaranteeing the conservation of the species and the safety of those who contemplate them. To find out where in Monserrate Park you can find this and other trees, consult the Tree Finder app, which allows visitors to obtain information about the botanical heritage present there.
Finally, a fun fact: originating from Queensland, Australia, this species was a source of food for the aborigines - its pine nuts can reach more than five centimetres in length and can be eaten raw or roasted. Bunya-bunya was therefore considered a sacred tree, being at the centre of various festivals and tribal ceremonies.
