I am pleasantly surprised to learn that I share another personal favorite with you! I have loved Monkey Puzzle trees since I saw my first tree as a small child living in Mount Vernon in the late 1950s. I am now retired and returned to Mount Vernon for the rest of my days. That tree survives, but not in perfect form thanks to city amenities like power lines.
I have loved these trees since seeing my 1st in Pt Townsend 20 years ago. Any guesses how they got their name? Can you buy pinoneos anywhere in Seattle?
Pinoneos is actually the process of looking for the nuts, if I read the article correctly. I have heard various rumors about the common name but none that I care repeating. Being the kind of guy who doesn't spread rumors!
Do you know that in French they're called "le désespoir du singe" (the monkey's despair). I always thought that was because the trunk appears very thorny so it must be impossible to climb...
The timing of this article is perfect. Last evening was walking North on 16th Ave SW on the way from White Center back to downtown and spotted one of these interesting trees just N of SW Thistle.
I love them! I don't think I had seen any before the one you mention on 65th and 25th. There were at least two monkey puzzle trees on Bainbridge, but city works managed to kill one when widening the sidewalk on Erickson Avenue. They replaced it with another, and killed that one too! Now there is only one on Bainbridge that I know of, on Winslow Way across from Winslow Green.
Another Araucaria people might be familiar with is the Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla), often seen as a houseplant and Christmas tree. I think it's too cold for them to grow outside here, but they do in more southern climes.
Pinch? Ha! We Punch!!! The first person to see a Monkey Tree (sans Puzzle) says, “Monkey Tree, No return.”, then punches the other person in the arm. I got Mary at the arboretum on Saturday and she immediately saw a 2nd one and got me back. If I see one while out walking, I text it to her along with MTNR for a electronic punch. I have soooo soooo many MT pics in my phone now.
There are three or four trees in Atherton Park - Menlo Park, CA. When visiting our grandchildren in Woodside, my husband and I eat an early breakfast there.
I am pleasantly surprised to learn that I share another personal favorite with you! I have loved Monkey Puzzle trees since I saw my first tree as a small child living in Mount Vernon in the late 1950s. I am now retired and returned to Mount Vernon for the rest of my days. That tree survives, but not in perfect form thanks to city amenities like power lines.
At least it's still alive.
I have loved these trees since seeing my 1st in Pt Townsend 20 years ago. Any guesses how they got their name? Can you buy pinoneos anywhere in Seattle?
Pinoneos is actually the process of looking for the nuts, if I read the article correctly. I have heard various rumors about the common name but none that I care repeating. Being the kind of guy who doesn't spread rumors!
Disappointing!
Do you know that in French they're called "le désespoir du singe" (the monkey's despair). I always thought that was because the trunk appears very thorny so it must be impossible to climb...
C'est fantastique! C'est incredible. I did not know that. Thanks for sharing.
Oui c'est incroyable! (Incredible, in French 😉)
Merci.
The timing of this article is perfect. Last evening was walking North on 16th Ave SW on the way from White Center back to downtown and spotted one of these interesting trees just N of SW Thistle.
Well, I try to time it for your walks! Glad you found one so close.
I love them! I don't think I had seen any before the one you mention on 65th and 25th. There were at least two monkey puzzle trees on Bainbridge, but city works managed to kill one when widening the sidewalk on Erickson Avenue. They replaced it with another, and killed that one too! Now there is only one on Bainbridge that I know of, on Winslow Way across from Winslow Green.
Wow, sounds like city works has some issues on your island! If anyone else knows of these trees on Bainbridge, let us know.
I will forward this to our tree guy, Olaf Ribeiro. He used to conduct tree tours here.
David, thanks for this. I’ve always liked the Monkey trees but didn’t know the puzzle part! Like knowing the Menzies connection too!
Another Araucaria people might be familiar with is the Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla), often seen as a houseplant and Christmas tree. I think it's too cold for them to grow outside here, but they do in more southern climes.
Yes, I am quite enamored with those trees. Thanks for mentioning them.
Pinch? Ha! We Punch!!! The first person to see a Monkey Tree (sans Puzzle) says, “Monkey Tree, No return.”, then punches the other person in the arm. I got Mary at the arboretum on Saturday and she immediately saw a 2nd one and got me back. If I see one while out walking, I text it to her along with MTNR for a electronic punch. I have soooo soooo many MT pics in my phone now.
You say punch, I say pinch. You say toe-may-toe, I say ta-may-ta.
There are three or four trees in Atherton Park - Menlo Park, CA. When visiting our grandchildren in Woodside, my husband and I eat an early breakfast there.
How do I send photos?
And, I wouldn't want to be noggined by a cone either.