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Adult Wollemi pines discovered in 1994 in the Wollemi National Park, Australia . Image copyright J.Plaza RBG Sydney and by kind permission of Wollemi Pine International

Adult Wollemi pines discovered in 1994 in the Wollemi National Park, Australia

© J.Plaza RBG Sydney and by kind permission of Wollemi Pine International

 

 

Wollemi Pine

Wollemia nobilis

One of the oldest known tree species in the world, the Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis) was recently discovered alive and well in a deep, impenetrable gorge, west of Sydney, Australia.

You can see a Wollemi pine close to the Orangery at Kew Gardens, and in the Southern Hemisphere garden at Wakehurst Place



Despite having outlived ice ages and bush fires, less than 100 mature trees now exist in the wild and their location remains a closely guarded secret. In 1994 this astonishing find became the focus of extensive research to aid its conservation. A propagation programme was developed to prevent the original trees being threatened by plant collectors. Kew is active in aiding the conservation and horticultural potential of this tree. From late 2005 you will be able to buy your own Wollemi pine and help directly fund its conservation.

 

Factfile

Discovered by:

David Noble, a National Parks Officer

Year of discovery:

1994

Closest relatives:

Agathis (Kauri Pines)

Araucaria (Monkey Puzzle, Norfolk Island Pine, Hoop Pine, Bunya Pine)

Description:

unusual pendulous dark green foliage, bubbly dark brown bark

Fossil remains:

widespread from Antarctica to New Zealand and Australia

Oldest known fossil:

90 million years old

Named after:

the Wollemi National Park and David Noble

Oldest living Wollemi pine:

‘King Billy’ who may be over 1000 years old

Why are the specimens in cages?

until released onto the horticultural market all Wollemi pines in cultivation are required to be protected

Greatest threat:

humans

 

Find out more

kew linkSearch Kew's electronic Plant Information Centre for scientific information about Wollemia nobilis

external linkFind out more: www.wollemipine.com

 

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