Members of Araucaria occur across the South Pacific, especially concentrated in New Caledonia (about 700 km or 430 mi due north of Norfolk Island), where 13 closely related species of similar appearance are found.

In 1774, on his second voyage to the South Pacific in HMS Resolution, Cook noted the presence of large forests of tall, straight trees that appeared to be suitable for use as masts and yards for sailing ships.

Although the plywood companies reported excellent results, the industry was deemed not sustainable by the Norfolk Island Advisory Council, which decided to reserve timber production for local use.

The tree is slow growing and can reach a height of 50–65 m (160–210 ft), with straight vertical trunks and symmetrical branches, even in the face of incessant onshore winds that can contort most other species.

Despite the endemic implication of the species name Norfolk Island pine, the species is widely planted as an ornamental tree for its exotic, pleasing appearance and fairly broad climatic adaptability, and now occurs throughout the world in regions with suitable Mediterranean and humid subtropical climate.

Indoor trees must not be exposed to the scorching sun or dry air from a radiator; the temperature should ideally not exceed 22 °C (72 °F).

What is probably the most northerly specimen growing outdoors is a young tree on Valentia Island on the southwest coast of Ireland.

In northern climates they can be left outdoors during summer or placed under growing lights to promote fuller growth.

[4] Araucaria heterophylla has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Farming, poor land management and the introduction of invasive species have reduced its population on the original three islands considerably.