Norfolk Pine - (Araucaria heterophylla) - is native to Norfolk Island in the South Pacific. In its native habitat the tree can grow to a height of 200 feet. In its hardiness zones in the United States (USDA zones 10 and 11) the Norfolk pine generally remains between 50 and 100 feet tall. Although the Norfolk pine is a conifer, it is not a pine tree. It is a member of the Araucaria genus, which includes the monkey puzzle tree. The Norfolk pine requires warm temperatures to survive and is grown as a houseplant in cooler regions. It is low-maintenance tree, given the proper environmental conditions. It tolerates a variety of soil textures and will thrive even in acid soil.
The first European known to have sighted Norfolk Island, and thus the Norfolk Island pine, Captain James Cook, in 1774, on his second voyage to the South Pacific on HMS Resolution. He named the island after the Duchess of Norfolk, wife of Edward Howard, 9th Duke of Norfolk (1685–1777). The Duchess was dead at the time of the island's sighting by Cook, but Cook had set out from England in 1772 and could not have known of her May 1773 death. Cook landed on Norfolk Island, and reported on the presence of large quantities of tall, straight trees which appeared to be suitable for use as masts and yards for sailing ships. However, when the island was occupied in 1788 by transported convicts from Britain, it was found that Norfolk Island Pine was not resilient enough for these uses and the industry was abandoned.
In the late 1950s a trial shipment of Norfolk Pine logs was sent to Sydney plywood manufacturers in the hope of developing a timber export industry for the Island. Although the plywood companies reported excellent results the industry was deemed not sustainable by the Norfolk Island Advisory Council who decided to reserve local timber production for use on the Island. The timber is good for woodturning, and is extensively used by Hawaiian craftspeople.
The first European known to have sighted Norfolk Island, and thus the Norfolk Island pine, Captain James Cook, in 1774, on his second voyage to the South Pacific on HMS Resolution. He named the island after the Duchess of Norfolk, wife of Edward Howard, 9th Duke of Norfolk (1685–1777). The Duchess was dead at the time of the island's sighting by Cook, but Cook had set out from England in 1772 and could not have known of her May 1773 death. Cook landed on Norfolk Island, and reported on the presence of large quantities of tall, straight trees which appeared to be suitable for use as masts and yards for sailing ships. However, when the island was occupied in 1788 by transported convicts from Britain, it was found that Norfolk Island Pine was not resilient enough for these uses and the industry was abandoned.
In the late 1950s a trial shipment of Norfolk Pine logs was sent to Sydney plywood manufacturers in the hope of developing a timber export industry for the Island. Although the plywood companies reported excellent results the industry was deemed not sustainable by the Norfolk Island Advisory Council who decided to reserve local timber production for use on the Island. The timber is good for woodturning, and is extensively used by Hawaiian craftspeople.