Botanical Description
The Norfolk Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) also known as the Norfolk Island Pine is a large coniferous tree with an upright conical habit. Branches occur in whorls of 6 with small needle-like leaves that spiral around the branch and the twigs, abscission occurs on entire twigs instead of the individual leaves. Dioecious with male cones being cylindrical with a yellowish brown or reddish color, female cones are broader in comparison and with distinct triangle shaped scales with bracts and produce winged seeds.
Uses:
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Grown widely as an ornamental for its unique habit.
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The seeds are supposedly edible, and the wood can be used for woodworking.
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Supposedly toxic to pets.
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Exudates can potentially be used as an excipient within the pharmaceutical industry.