Distinctive and spiky, the monkey puzzle has been making strong impressions since dinosaurs roamed the earth. These days, jays and squirrels feast on its nuts.
Reaching up to 30m in height, monkey puzzle has a stout, almost cylindrical trunk with smooth bark that has a purplish-brown colour. The base of a large tree can resemble an elephant's foot.
Look out for: the distinctive leathery leaves and the sharply pointed scales of the cones.
Identified in winter by: its evergreen features as it keeps its leaves year-round.
Common names: monkey puzzle, Chilean pine, monkey tail tree, araucaria