Wollemi Pine Trees: Botanical Find of the 20th Century

In September 1994, one of the most historical, and rarest type of botanical trees, Wolemia noblis or the Wollemi Pine (Wollemi is an Aboriginal word meaning: "look around you, keep your eyes open and watch out"), discovered in the rugged and remote canyon of the Wollemi National Park (more than one million acres. A few hours drive from Sydney, Australia) by David Noble, a field officer (avid bushwalker) with the National Parks & Wildlife Services (NSW). Discovery confirmed by comparing cutting of the specimen by known fossil records dating back 90 million years, presumed extinct about two million years. Discovery of Wollemi Pine called the botanical find of the 20th century. The tallest pine in the park extends 100 feet and some are estimated to be more than 1,000 years old. The exact site of the discovery, kept secret only by select researchers visit on rare occasions (legally closed to public access), and less than 100 adult trees known to exist in the wild. The evergreen tree reaches a height 80 - 112 feet tall. The leaves vary from bright lime green on younger foliage to an apple green on mature foliage. Its needles are flat and soft. The trunk diameter grows over one meter long, appears to be covered with brown, knobbly, and spongy bark. Female and male cones are produced on adult trees with pollen release occurring in spring. Seed cones mature 16 - 19 months, late summer and autumn. Wollemi Pine developed multiple stems, which may have evolved as a defense against drought, fire or rock fall in the step canyons of its natural habitat. Wollemi Pine belongs to the same family as the Norfolk Island Pine Trees and referred to as 'Dinosaur tree' or 'living fossil' - Paleontologists have suggested dinosaurs (During this period) such as Velociraptor and the Corythosaurus crossed paths with Wollemi Pine, and may have eaten its leaves. Studies are underway to examine the embryological and seed development in the laboratory.

Royal Botanical Gardens Sydney, and National Parks and Wild Services established Wollemi Pine Recovery Plan, protects the endangered population of pine trees by propagation from cuttings and seeds. Also, worldwide release of the Wollemi Pine as key conservation strategy (Allow people around the world to have a part of ancient history in their home or garden.), started in April 2006. Two Wollemi pines have been planted in Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens, protected by a metal cage, in order to conserve and protect precious species. Cuttings taken from the lateral branches produce a low growing plant, suitable as spreading pot plant or ground cover. The commercial sale of the pine tree made available to the United States and other countries. Royalties from each sale go towards conservation of the Wollemi trees already in the wild, as well as other endangered species. In April 2006, Birkdale Nursery in Brisbane exported Wollemi Pine plants to be sold in Disneyland, California. Wollemi Pine proven to be valuable tree for ornament, either planted in the open ground, tubs, containers or planters. Preferably, plant the Wollemi Pine in a garden, during late spring after the last frost, as new growth may be susceptible to damage. Wolemia nobilis tolerates a wide range of soil types, however susceptible like many plants to common root -- fungus, Phtophthora (Test soil for the presence of this fungus). Plant requires low maintenance, tolerates various climate changes - Temperatures range from 23 - 113 degree Fahrenheit, able to tolerate indoor air conditioning, and known to survive, when the temperature falls down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Wolemia nobilis grows in full sun or full shade, and tolerates less watering or quick -- draining soil, than constant moist compost (May require only once or twice a week watering). Avoid injuring the plant by leaving it sitting in a saucer of water. When fertilizing, botanists recommend a slow release, low phosphorus fertilizer and feed with a liquid fertilizer for optimum growth. When Wollermi Plant is not fertilized or kept in medium light conditions, it will grow more slowly. Wollemi Pine can be shaped by pruning (preferable using sterile secateurs), maintain compact form, preferable done in the winter months.

Common problems growing Wollemi Pine: When branches begin to drop, wilt or dieback, indicate plant is stressed by over watering (or to much natural rainfall), under -- watering, grown in low light areas or became susceptible to a fungal disease known as Fusicoccum canker. Common garden pests including caterpillars and sap sucking insects harm Wollemi pine plant developing pale, yellow, and or wilted growing tips. Appropriate chemical spraying eliminates this problem and presence of ants. In November 2005, two Wollemi pine trees in Australia, infected by a fungal disease, thought to be introduced to the area by unauthorized visitors. The infected trees were treated with potassium phosphite injections.

Wollemi Pine available for purchase: The online store of the National Geographic website offers for sale Wollemi Pine plant. The tree will be approximately eight inches high when shipped, and available in a red or copper pot. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these plants will fund ongoing conservation research. Reported in April 2007, Calloway's Nursery and Cornelius Nursery (San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston) will sell the rare plant for $99.99

Published in 2005, James Woodford wrote a book: "The Wollemi Pine" - Takes the reader on a journey through the remarkable discovery of the Pine in 1994 and details of the conservative effort currently underway.