The Araucaria, the tree that during centuries fed and protected the natives
The Araucaria tree is the symbol of Neuquén. It would almost be possible to say its a "registered trademark", although only one portion of the province is covered by them.
They grow in a handful of sites in the world. Alone, against the wind and the cold, the araucarias have learned to adapt to this territory and to find their place no matter what it takes.
There, where only the hardest shrubs can resist, this species continues growing as if trying to reach the sky with their pointed branches.
Old mapuches knew this tree by another name: Pehuen hence the name Villa Pehuenia. The natives had a deity with the name of this species. For centuries this tree was, almost their only food. With its seeds - the pinions - they made bread, and even stew.
araucaria branches
The araucaria forests grow in areas over 1,000 meters above sea level. The Araucaria grows slowly but it can reach heights of up to 40 meters.
It would not be rare to find some Pehuén that fed those old araucanos still alive, because the araucaria can live 500 to 1,000 years. Some of the oldest ones in South America are 3,000 years old.
And, unlike other trees, anyone can easily tell the male form the female in this species. Male pehuén has 5 or 6 branches that grow from the top. They are those that are seen growing straight up, very tall.
The female ones, known like piñonera, gives its fruit called piñon, once every two years.
