The #MonkeyTree is the #hardiest species in the #conifer genus #Araucaria. Because of the prevalence of similar species in ancient #prehistory, it is sometimes called an #AnimateFossil.

Its #seeds are #edible, similar to large pine nuts, & are harvested by #Indigenous peoples in #Argentina & #Chile.

The tree has potential to be a #FoodCrop in other areas in the future, thriving in climates with cool oceanic summers. Like, #VancouverIsland & several coastal areas of the #PacificNorthwest.
The tree doesn't yield seeds until it is around 30-40 yrs old though.

Once valued because of its long, straight trunk, its current #rarity & #vulnerable status mean its wood is now rarely used; it is also #sacred to some #Indigenous #Mapuche.

The species is #protected under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meaning international trade is regulated by the CITES permitting system & commercial trade in wild sourced specimens is prohibited.