What is the Norfolk Island pine?
The Norfolk Island pine is a tall, symmetrical conifer native only to Norfolk Island in the South Pacific. It is planted along beaches and foreshores across Australia and around the world.
Norfolk Island pines, Araucaria heterophylla, can grow to about 50 to 65 metres tall in their native habitat. Their branches grow in neat horizontal tiers, giving the tree a distinctive pagoda-like shape.
Captain James Cook saw the trees in 1774 and thought they might make excellent ship masts. The timber turned out to be less suitable than hoped, but the trees became famous worldwide.
Seaside favourite
Because the trees tolerate salt spray and strong winds, they were widely planted along beaches in Australia, such as Manly, Cottesloe and the Gold Coast, as well as in Hawaii and California.
The tree appears on the flag and seal of Norfolk Island, and small potted ones are sold as indoor plants and Christmas trees.
In some coastal towns, old Norfolk Island pines are heritage listed. Their tops sometimes die back due to pollution, salt and detergents in sea spray, prompting research and replanting.
Did You Know?
Norfolk Island pines often lean toward the equator, a pattern scientists have noticed around the world.