The genus Araucaria – An illustrated overview of its species

In the present work the phylogeny of conifers regarding the genus Araucaria is briefly addressed and followed by a part about the geographic range of living Araucaria species. A geological timetable and an overview of the continental drift of the prehistoric Gondwana-continent in geological times completes the section.With the help of a world map the fossil occurrences and the geographic range of living Araucaria species is illustrated.Next, the comparative description of the Araucaria species is highlighted with the help of a previously unknown and unpublished photo selection, which hopefully might contribute to a better understanding of the genus. The characteristics of the genus and their grouping by sections are quoted from Golte (1993). The genera Agathis and Wollemia which belong to the family Araucariaceae are outlined with text and some illustrations.Thereafter, all 19 Araucaria species of the world are described in a small text, followed by a distribution map, a brief botanical description, a front image and several special photos. Each species is accompanied by a photo of a sample of understory plants typical for the habitat. Next synonyms and native and, if present, foreign-language names are mentioned. Because New Caledonia is francophone there are only universal terms like “Pin colonnaire” or “Pin de montagne” for all Araucaria species. Terms in English are only known for Araucaria columnaris, German terms are artificial and neither useful nor correct. To avoid irritation these terms are not used. The same is true for the Kanak-clan terms, because there are more than 10 names for only one species.The species descriptions are followed by some completing remarks about sowing, planting and breeding and a comparison of species regarding plants, seeds and timber features. Furthermore, several explorers and researchers are presented who are acknowledged with Araucaria naming. CONTENTS: Introduction 15 Phylogeny 15 Range 22 Endangerment and Exploitation 24Taxonomy 28 Family Araucariaceae, Genus Araucaria 28 Famille Araucariaceae, Genus Agathis 29 Famille Araucariaceae, Genus Wollemia 33The Araucaria Species 35 Section Eutacta 36 Araucaria bernieri 37 Araucaria biramulata 45 Araucaria columnaris 53 Araucaria humboldtensis 67 Araucaria laubenfelsii 75 Araucaria luxurians 85 Araucaria montana 93 Araucaria muelleri 101 Araucaria nemorosa 111 Araucaria rulei 121 Araucaria schmidii 131 Araucaria scopulorum 139 Araucaria subulata 149 Araucaria cunninghamii 157 Araucaria heterophylla 167 Sektion Intermedia 178 Araucaria hunsteinii 179 Sektion Bunya 188 Araucaria bidwillii 189 Sektion Columbea 198 Araucaria angustifolia 199 Araucaria araucana 211Further information 223 Araucaria – Explorers and Researchers 223 Araucaria – Distinctive Features – Examples 227 Araucaria – Seeds – Examples 229 Araucaria – Seedlings and young plants 231 Araucaria – Wood Characteristics – an Example 234 Araucaria – Sowing and Planting of Araucaria in Central Europe 235 On the way to the last Araucaria-forests 239 IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources 240 Bibliography 241