Dunedin's Devil Trees—The Tale of the Monkey Puzzle Tree
Andrew Smith, Hair Raiser Tours
Recently, I embarked on a visit to the Arthur Street Playground, the site of Dunedin's first cemetery, with the intention of capturing some photographs and creating engaging content. However, as I turned the corner and approached the area where I intended to photograph some magnificent Monkey Puzzle (Araucaria araucana} trees, my heart sank. They were gone, leaving behind a void that was both shocking and dismaying.
These trees, aged well over 150 years, were an essential part of the landscape and held a significant place in Dunedin's history. Determined to uncover the fate of these iconic trees, I initiated inquiries into their sudden disappearance.
Following our inquiries, a tree officer from the Dunedin City Council (DCC) contacted me to discuss this matter. It has come to our attention that these trees may be afflicted with a fungal disease, which could compromise their structural integrity, thus posing a potential health and safety hazard.
While the DCC has been very cooperative in addressing the issue, it is disappointing to note that they lack knowledge not only of the site's historical significance but also the importance of these trees in Victorian-era Dunedin. It has come to our attention that other Monkey Puzzle trees in the area may also be susceptible to this fungal infection.
Dunedin’s First Cemetery ©️ Jack The Clicker
Why was this tree important to Victorians?
In the Victorian era, superstitions and beliefs about the devil ran deep. It was believed that the devil, especially during burials, would seek any opportunity to steal a recently departed soul. To prevent this, the Monkey Puzzle tree, with its perplexing branch configuration, was planted strategically on the cemetery grounds. The hope was that the devil, if he attempted to climb the tree, would become confused and tired, eventually falling asleep on one of its branches. Making too much noise around the tree was taboo, as it risked waking the devil and bringing three years of bad luck to the perpetrators. Children were warned that excessive noise near the tree would result in them growing a monkey's tail. Some adventurous children, seeking excitement in swinging through the trees on their way to school, would purposely make a lot of noise near the tree.
Monkey Puzzle Tree, ©️ Jack The Clicker
The Monkey Puzzle tree, like many trees in cemeteries, boasts a remarkable lifespan, potentially living for up to a thousand years.
These trees, especially those located at the Northern Cemetery and the Iona Church grounds in Port Chalmers, hold immense historical and cultural value. We remain hopeful that efforts can be made to save these trees and preserve the rich heritage they represent for future generations. The clock is ticking, and the race is on to protect Dunedin's historic trees from further harm.
(1999-2023} The Devil’s Playground-Dunedin is a Ghost Town Ⅱ
The Devil keeps a close eye on the Iona Church, Port Chalmers ©️ Jack The Clicker