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The Araucaria Araucaria angustifolia is a tree species of gymnosperm belonging to the Araucariaceae family that is found in the Southeast Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo and South Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina regions of Brazil. It has other popular names, being also known as Paraná pine, curi, Brazilian pine and Paraná pine.nnThe Araucaria can reach a height of up to 50 meters and, when adult, has a cup that has a shape similar to a cup. Its trunk is straight and with branches only at the top. The needle-like leaves acicles are dark green in color and do not fall off during the winter. Also, this species holds cones, which are species of flowers of these plants. The female cone is called the pine cone, which is where the seeds develop.nnThis species lives for about 200 years, and seed production begins after the twentieth year in natural habitat. This tree native to Brazil was, for many years, the target of indiscriminate exploitation and, therefore, is today considered an endangered species. The plant can be used for a variety of purposes, including crafts and medicinal use.nnThe seed, also known as pine nuts, is a rich energy reserve, consisting mainly of starch, proteins and lipids. It is widely used in food, both for men and for some wild and domestic animals, such as pigs. In addition, it is traditionally used to combat heartburn and anemia. The leaves and bark are also used in folk medicine.