N for Norfolk Island Pine
The Norfolk Island Pine is part of the araucarian family that actually extends back to dinosaur times; the Jurassic Period, to be exact. The Araucaria heterophylla species is quite distinct, having the most interesting needles you’ll ever see. They look like whorls, and they grow on tiered branches all the way to the top.
This species is possibly one of the most challenging to grow as a bonsai. The conifer has such a strange, unique shape, and it only reaches for the sky in a pyramid fashion. Trying to make any other bonsai style is useless, and you’ll only be damaging the tree. However, the appearance and that challenge are exactly why I want one.
I was torn between the Norfolk Island Pine and the Narra national tree of the Philippines. For the former, I truly want a bonsai of this species for my home, as I really love how it looks. We have towering trees by our local church. On the other hand, our article on the Narra tree has been doing exceptionally well, currently one of our top five posts. However, my desire for the Norfolk Island Pine made the decision for me.
