The Monkey Puzzle tree (Chile Pine, Araucaria araucana) was first brought to the UK in 1795 by Archibald Menzies, a Scottish botanist and surgeon, who grew seedlings from seeds (often served as dessert) from Chile, planting them at Kew Gardens, and it became a popular Victorian ornamental, named for its spiky branches that "would puzzle a monkey". Cornish miners later helped spread it, and it became a beloved, albeit sometimes problematic, garden fixture, a symbol of Victorian horticulture that's now also important for conservation.
Key Figures & Events:
Archibald Menzies (1795): On Captain George Vancouver's voyage, Menzies collected seeds from Chile, germinated them on his ship, and successfully introduced them to Britain, with initial plantings at Kew Gardens.
The Name's Origin (c. 1850): The memorable name "Monkey Puzzle" came from a comment made by a guest at an English garden, observing how difficult it would be for a monkey to climb its sharp, scale-like branches.
Victorian Popularity: The tree became a huge hit during the Victorian era, planted widely in parks, large gardens, and even plantations, reflecting the era's fascination with exotic species.
Cornish Connection: Cornish miners, traveling to South America in the 19th century, brought back many seeds, contributing to the high diversity of Monkey Puzzles in Cornwall.
Cultural Significance:
Ornamental Value: Its unique, prehistoric look made it a sought-after garden feature, though mature trees often create barren, spiky areas beneath them.
Folklore: Some traditions suggest they ward off the Devil or bring bad luck if you speak to them, adding to their mystique.
Conservation: Today, the tree is endangered in its native habitat, with UK specimens playing a role in genetic conservation efforts for the species.
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The monkey puzzle tree (
Araucaria araucana) was introduced to the UK in 1795 by Scottish botanist and naval surgeon Archibald Menzies. Its history in Britain evolved from an elite curiosity into a widespread Victorian garden staple.
Initial Introduction (1795)
The Dinner Table Discovery: While dining with the Governor of Chile (Ambrosio O'Higgins) in Santiago, Menzies was served a dessert of large "pine nuts".
Propagation: Rather than eating them, Menzies pocketed some raw seeds and germinated them on board his ship, HMS Discovery, during the return voyage.
Arrival at Kew: Menzies returned to Britain with five (some sources say six) healthy saplings, which were planted at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. For several decades, they remained extremely rare and were primarily kept in greenhouses.
Widespread Popularity (1820s–1850s)
Secondary Introductions: In 1826, James Macrae brought more seeds and seedlings back for the Horticultural Society, which helped transition the tree from a royal curiosity to a desired status symbol for the elite.
Commercial Availability: In 1843, the Veitch Nursery began selling seedlings grown from seeds collected by plant hunter William Lobb. This mass production made the tree accessible to the emerging middle class, leading to its prevalence in Victorian and Edwardian suburban gardens.
Origin of the Name "Monkey Puzzle"
The tree was initially known as the "Chile Pine" or "Sir Joseph Banks's Pine".
Date: Around 1850 (though some records suggest as early as 1834).
Location: Pencarrow House in Cornwall.
The Remark: During a planting ceremony, guest and barrister Charles Austinremarked of the spiky, complex branches: "It would puzzle a monkey to climb that". The name "monkey puzzler" and eventually "monkey puzzle" stuck.
Notable Historical Specimens
Bicton Gardens, Devon: Home to an famous avenue of these trees planted around 1840.
Dropmore, Buckinghamshire: Contained a specimen presented by King William IV, often cited as one of the finest 19th-century examples in Britain.