Araucarian Pines

Araucarian pines are a family of conifers which still exist today - examples of modern species are New Norfolk, New Caledonian, Bunya and Hoop Pines.  Modern Arucarians grow to heights of up to 80m and it is likely that the Jurassic and Cretaceous versions were the tallest plants in their forests.  Tasmania’s location in the polar latitudes during these periods meant that these forests were probably ‘open’ with tall trees spaced apart to best ensure their access to sunlight. 
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Modern Araucarian pines from the Adelaide Botanical Gardens. Left and centre, New Caledonian Pine, right, Hoop Pine.