This map displays the Araucaria araucana (also called the pewen or Chilean pine), an evergreen tree growing to a trunk diameter of 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft) and a height of 30–40 m (100–130 ft), and its geographical locations around the Pacific Northwest recorded by the artist in collaboration with the public. While this fire-adapted tree is native to central and southern Chile and western Argentina, most Araucaria around Portland are descended from seedlings gifted by a Chilean representative at the Lewis + Clark Centennial Exposition in 1905. Three of the these 100+ year old gifts are still standing at 419 NE Hazelfern, 415 NE Laurelhurst and 446 NE Fargo. These trees traced to the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition are formally recognized as Heritage Trees of Portland.

Araucaria is fundamental to the lifeways of the Mapuche Nation, called the Araucanos in namesake. They have lived since time immemorial in Wall Mapu, what is now called the Lakes and Rivers region in Southern Chile. It is not only a source of food, medicine, and shelter, but a sacred symbol of the legendary resilience of the Mapuche people themselves.

Because of the prevalence of similar species in ancient prehistory, it is sometimes called a living fossil. It is also the national tree of Chile and its conservation status was changed to Endangered by the IUCN in 2013 due to the dwindling population caused by logging, livestock, forest fires, and development. Since 1977, logging and clearing for commercial purposes have destroyed 2/3rds of the Araucaria forests. Fires in summer 2001-2002 destroyed 30,000 hectares of native forest and 71% of extant Araucarias in the Malleco National Reserve.

Araucaria can live up to be 2000 years old and are considered the hardiest species in the conifer genus Araucaria. Araucaria is fundamental to the Mapuche Nation’s lifeways, called the Araucanos in namesake. They have lived since time immemorial in Wall Mapu, now commonly referred to as the Lakes and Rivers region in Southern Chile. Araucaria sightings around Portland can be contributed to the map below.

In March 2023, the artist will seek to collaborate with two Mapuche women who will be visiting community in Portland to continue evolving this project.

Araucarias norteñas, ongoing since 2017, work in progress