The Monkey-puzzle is a large, evergreen tree that has been widely planted in parks and gardens. It was introduced into the UK from Chile in the 18th century by a botanist who managed to grow the seedlings on his ship and then donated them to Kew. By Victorian times, it had become a popular tree to plant in gardens and even in plantations.
How to identify
Monkey-puzzle trees are unmistakeable: they are pyramidal in shape, with horizontal branches jutting out from the trunk in tiers; the branches are covered in stiff, dark green spines that are actually leaves.
Did you know?
The name 'Monkey-puzzle' comes from the Victorian idea that the arrangement of the branches of the tree would puzzle any monkey trying to climb it.
