Figure

The Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is among the most popular araucarians in cultivation. Unfortunately, it faces a high risk of extinction in the wild due to habitat decline. Interestingly, investigations have found that the leaf powder had good biosorbent qualities for lead, suggesting useful bioremediation attributes [127]. Araucaria angustifolia may be similarly useful, showing adsorbent qualities for dye wastes, e.g. gentian violet [128], as well as being a potential source of phenolics for use in packaging materials [221]. Norfolk Pine gum, which contains antioxidant anticancer polysaccharides, has also been suggested for use in pharmacy as a pill coating, and for controlled release drug formulations [129; 223].