The legendary Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) has captivated the world since its discovery in the Blue Mountains in 1994. Three decades later, its survival story is not over with the critically endangered conifer still at serious risk of extinction.
The Greater Blue Mountains Area is home to the last wild population of Wollemi pines. (Supplied: Botanic Gardens of Sydney) A comprehensive back-up collection of Wollemi Pines – one of the world’s rarest and oldest trees – was planted at Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah on the 30th anniversary of its serendipitous discovery.
Despite the Wollemi Pine possessing amazing survival adaptations that have allowed it to persist for millennia, the species is considered critically endangered and faces many threats in the wild. Its limited geographic distribution and small population size makes it extremely vulnerable to wildfires and diseases including the deadly Phytophthora cinnamomi or ‘root rot’. Unauthorised visits to the site also risk compromising the fragile wild population and ecosystem, which is an Asset of Intergenerational Significance.
To safeguard the ancient pine, a highly successful multi-agency conservation effort (involving NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Botanic Gardens of Sydney, and NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) has focused on two main strategies: protection and conservation of the remaining wild population, and off-site cultivation.
Two additional populations of Wollemi Pine established in Wollemi National Park in 2019 using translocation, were further augmented this year with 379 saplings each, bringing the total translocated population to over 835 saplings. Minister Penny Sharpe recently visited one of the translocation sites to see this work first hand, and plant a tree which she dedicated to young environmental activists.
To back up this essential collection and provide greater resilience to potential impacts of climate change, genetically diverse young trees were cultivated and shipped to botanic gardens in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe and one botanic garden in the USA, last year.
This planting is one of several key objectives identified in the draft National Recovery Plan for the Wollemi Pine that will be finalised later this year.The public will have a rare opportunity to own a piece of living history. Six exclusive Wollemi Pine trees, propagated by a team of expert scientists from the original, first-generation specimens, will be auctioned online by Foundation & Friends of the Botanic Gardens from September 9 – 22 September, coinciding with this special planting event.
Wollemi Pine: A Symbol of Survival and Hope
NSW Minister for the Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe said:
“Since this ancient tree was discovered by David Noble, an off-duty National Parks and Wildlife Service ranger, the global effort to save the Wollemi Pine has set a new benchmark for conservation.
“With so few of these trees remaining in the wild, the risk of losing the entire population to a single catastrophic event such as disease or wildfire is high. That is why the translocated populations and the off-site living collections are so critical.
“I have been privileged to see these sites firsthand. As we trekked into the secret location, we had to stop multiple times to disinfectant our shoes. While our boots might not have survived, the memory of that special place will stay with me forever.”
A Botanical Treasure and Icon of Australia
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“The Wollemi Pine is one of the greatest botanical discoveries of our time and has become an Australian icon.
“This spring, we reflect on three decades of critical work by scientists, national park rangers and horticulturists to understand the Wollemi Pine and protect it for future generations.”
“I would like to acknowledge the work of the Royal Botanic Gardens over the years to preserve this important species.”
Celebrating the Wollemi Pine
Botanic Gardens of Sydney Chief Executive, Simon Duffy AM, said:
“We often describe the Wollemi Pine as the poster child for conservation. These ancient trees have become a symbol of survival and hope,” Mr Duffy said.
“The special tree planting at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah and other anniversary events are about celebrating the outstanding contributions made by so many people to the science and conservation of this remarkable species.”
A Scientific Success Story
Botanic Gardens of Sydney Chief Scientist, Professor Brett Summerell AM, said:
“The Wollemi Pine is a botanical treasure; its discovery has not only yielded incredible scientific insights but also raised the profile of botanical science,” Prof Summerell said.
“This is the culmination of 30 years of scientific research on the Wollemi Pine. Genetically diverse plantings such as this one aim to maximise health and adaptive resilience to climate change and other pressures. I hope it will also allow visitors to form meaningful connections with plant conservation.”
Wollemi Pine: A Living Piece of History
The auction of six exclusive Wollemi Pine trees is a unique opportunity to contribute to the conservation of this ancient and remarkable species, and an exciting way to mark the 30th anniversary of its rediscovery. While the future of the Wollemi Pine remains uncertain, the dedication of scientists, conservationists, and the public to its survival offers hope for this living piece of history.
