The Araucaria columnaris (columnar pine) species of the Araucaria family is the most characteristic of New Caledonia. This large tree which can reach 196ft (60m) in height and 3.2ft (1.50m) in diameter is the only conifer that develops naturally on low limestone soils, facing the sea spray. Widespread throughout the Caledonian territory, it grows in particularly dense populations in the Loyalty Islands and on the Isle of Pines.