(If you have a moment, I entered this picture and a write-up about the Palmerton Arboretum into a contest, and it would be wonderful if you would go there and "Like" the picture if you like my story and image! :) Weekly Writing and Photography Contest: Palmerton Arboretum)

Yesterday Steve and I went on another Sunday Lunch ride, which started at the beautiful Palmerton Arboretum in Rogue River. I have taken many pictures there and never tire of the amazing trees and plants there.

This is the national tree of Chile, known as a Monkey Puzzle Tree or Chilean Pine Tree. However, I like to call it the Amazing Dr. Seuss Tree! It's covered with branches that twist and turn in all directions, and every inch is covered with spines! Totally spectacular to see and easily my favorite plant at the arboretum.

More information about this tree from Wikipedia:
Araucaria araucana (commonly called the monkey puzzle tree, monkey tail tree, Chilean pine, or pehuén) is an evergreen tree growing to 40 metres (130 ft) tall with a 2 metres (7 ft) trunk diameter. The tree is native to central and southern Chile and western Argentina. Araucaria araucana is the hardiest species in the conifer genus Araucaria. Because of the great age of this species it is sometimes described as a living fossil and can live as long as 1,000 years!

Thanks to my dear Chilean friend Noelegroj (Jorge Leon Cabello), who so kindly told me what kind of tree this was!! Please make sure to visit his photostream when you can, as his photography of Chile is incredible!!