I love surprises and mysteries. I am starting another new feature for my blog. Every Monday, I will present a mystery tree or shrub. I will have a picture posted and some clues. They will be a bit more uncommon sometimes(but not impossibly so) , and will also be plants that I have not profiled yet. I will open a thread in the forums where you can post your guess. The winner gets my undying admiration for the next week.

Let's get started! Clues for this week:

• -This tree is native to South America
• -Often planted for its unusual appearance with spiky leaves and symmetrical, thick open branches. This tree can grow to 70' tall and 30' wide.
• -USDA Hardiness zones 7-10
• -And an easy hint.....this tree was given its common name because someone thought it would present a challenge to a simian.

Think you know what the answer is? Come visit the Mystery Monday tree thread. Good luck!

_{Photo © Flickr user Asplosh}