Araucariaceae

Araucariaceae is a family of ancient coniferous trees, including species like the Araucaria and Agathis. These trees are characterized by their large, often symmetrical, needle-like or scale-like leaves and cone-shaped structures for seed dispersal. Found mainly in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in Australasia, South America, and Southeast Asia, they thrive in diverse environments, from rainforests to mountain slopes. As some of the oldest living trees, they play important ecological roles and are valued for their timber, ornamental use, and scientific interest. Their remarkable evolutionary history makes them significant in understanding plant development over millions of years.