Wollemi Pine

Prehistoric Aussie comes to Eden ... the Wollemi Pine is on it’s way!
The gardening world cannot help but be excited by the release of one of the Worlds oldest and rarest trees. A chance discovery in 1994 by a National Parks and Wildlife Officer, David Noble, has led to the rapid development of plants, soon to on sale to the public. This move is a survival strategy, the trees will be made widely available to prevent the plundering of the wild population, which consists of less than 100 plants. These trees have been thriving in the hidden depths of the Wollemi National Park.

Fossil remains had been found dating back 90 million years, the tree itself was thought to have been extinct. The wild trees are up to 40 metres high and could be as old as 1000 years. The Wollemi Pine is a rugged good looker, with tough, glossy fern like foliage, and a rough textured, bubbly bark. Extensive trialling has been carried out over the last 10 years and it has been discovered that the tree will tolerate temperatures of between -5 and 45 degrees Celsius. It also responds well to low light conditions which could make it a useful indoor plant in the future.

Container growing is recommended due to the ultimate size of the tree, too large for a suburban backyard! It makes a stunning tub specimen, looking great as a patio feature , and will, without a doubt, be the Aussie Christmas tree of the future. The first plants were released globally this month. In Australia this took place at The Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. There has been great interest throughout the world, this is indeed a rare event.

You will be able to purchase your very own Wollemi pine at Eden Gardens in April 2006, when the plant is released to selected garden centres. We currently have Wollemi Gift Vouchers available which will enable the bearer to collect the plant from the store in April. What a great gift idea! Royalties from the sale of trees will support conservation of the Wollemi Pine and other rare and threatened plant species. Look out for further information, we are all looking forward to having this new discovery at Eden Gardens, and to seeing the tree become a part of the Sydney landscape.

More on the Wollemi Pine

Print   -   Send to a Friend