Araucaria heterophylla

Species: Araucaria heterophylla

English Name: Norfolk Island Pine

Chinese Name: 異葉南洋杉

Family: Araucariaceae

Description:
The trees grow to a height of 50–65 m, with straight vertical trunks and symmetrical branches, even in the face of incessant onshore winds that can contort most other species. The scientific name heterophylla (“different leaves”) derives from the variation in the leaves between young and adult plants.

Used as a house plant and sometimes as a Christmas Tree. Resin isolated from stem exudates showed anti-ulcerogenic functions, and also cytotoxic activity against breast and colon cancer cell lines.

Photos used under a Creative Commons license

References:

– Department of Gardens and Green Areas, Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau of Macao Special Administrative Region, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Science 2005. Flora of Macao (Volume 1). Macao, SAR: Author

Search

Popular Posts

Chinese Horseshoe Bat

Chinese name: 中華菊頭蝠Family: 菊頭蝠科 RhinolophidaeScientific name: Rhinolophus sinicusConservation status: Habitat: Cave and forests Description:This is a small to medium-sized bat species found in East Asia. It is characterized by its distinctive horseshoe-shaped noseleaf, which aids in echolocation. Its fur is typically brown or gray. This species inhabits caves, forests, and sometimes buildings, often roosting in…
Least Horseshoe Bat

Chinese name: 小菊頭蝠Family: 菊頭蝠科 RhinolophidaeScientific name: Rhinolophus pusillusConservation status: 無危Habitat: Cave and forests Description:This is a small bat species found in South and Southeast Asia. It is characterized by its distinctive horseshoe-shaped noseleaf, which aids in echolocation. Its fur is typically brown or gray. This species inhabits caves, forests, and sometimes buildings, often roosting in small…
Intermediate Horseshoe Bat

Chinese name: 中菊頭蝠Family: 菊頭蝠科 RhinolophidaeScientific name: Rhinolophus affinisConservation status: Habitat: Cave and forests Description:This is a medium-sized bat species found in South and Southeast Asia. It is characterized by its distinctive horseshoe-shaped noseleaf, which aids in echolocation. Its fur is typically brown or gray. This species inhabits caves, forests, and sometimes buildings, often roosting in…