Cook Pines - Araucaria columnaris
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Bio-Region: Sukabumi, West Java
Collection date: March 2026
By Nidiya Kusmaya
Araucaria columnaris (family Araucariaceae) is a tall evergreen conifer native to New Caledonia but widely planted in tropical and subtropical regions, including Indonesia. It is commonly known as Cook pine or columnar araucaria.
Height: up to 50–60 m
Growth form: narrow, columnar, symmetrical crown
Lifespan: perennial evergreen
Reproduction: dioecious (separate male and female trees)
Araucaria columnaris is well adapted to Indonesian tropical climate, with best growth during the rainy season.
Its physiology (evergreen, sclerophyll leaves) supports continuous metabolic activity.
Leaves contain bioactive phenolic compounds, which justify their use as natural dye sources, even though literature focuses more on bark.
Functional Roles
Functional Roles
Ecological Function
Ecological Function
Windbreak in coastal areas
Carbon sequestration (large biomass tree)
Habitat for birds and insects
Landscape and Urban Function
Landscape and Urban Function
Ornamental tree (vertical accent)
Roadside and park planting
Coastal stabilization (salt-tolerant)
Economic Function
Economic Function
Timber (limited use)
Resin (minor use)
Increasing interest in natural dye resources
Natural Dye Potential
Natural Dye Potential
Scientific Evidence
Scientific Evidence
A study on natural dyes reported:
Bark of Araucaria columnaris can produce usable dye
Extraction method: aqueous (water-based extraction)
Applicable on: mostly applied well on natural fiber materials
Mordants used: alum, CuSO₄, acids, iron
About Leaves Specifically
About Leaves Specifically
Most published studies focus on bark, not leaves
However, based on phytochemistry:
Leaves contain phenolics and flavonoids
These compounds are typical natural dye precursors
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