Image Source: Wikimedia Commons. By: Velela.

Wollemi Pine trees are actually closer to related to species of the Araucariaceae family. These trees can be found in temperate rainforests and the last known fossil of the Wollemi Pine dates back 200 million years! Because of this, it is commonly referred to as a ‘Living Fossil’. Currently, these trees can be found along a stream near the bottom of a sandstone canyon located in Wollemi National Park (go figure). They are a Critically Endangered species.

The Wollemi Pine grows between 80 and 130 feet (25 and 40 m) tall, has dark brown bark and a unique growth pattern. The branches of this tree will grow for several years and then do one of 2 things: either create a cone or stop growing completely. At this point, the branch will die and new branches will grow from dormant buds located along the tree’s trunk.

If you ever hope to see this tree, keep an eye out for leaves that are flat linear and arranged in a spiral pattern along the stem. The leaves will be between 1.18 and 3.15 inches (3-8 cm) long, and the seed cones will start out green with a length between 2.36 and 4.72 inches (6-12 cm), while the pollen cones are between 1.97 and 4.33 inches (5-11 cm). However, I wouldn’t keep my hopes up, if I were you—there are less than a hundred Wollemi Pine trees known to be growing in the wild, and all generally in the same area. The good news is, it may have a chance in making a comeback as a botanical garden or ornamental tree, though that effort is still a work in progress.

To find out more about the Wollemi Pine, check out these links:

WollemiPine.com
Botanic Gardens Trust: The Wollemi Pine – A Very Rare Discovery
The Gymnosperm Database: Wollemi Pine
National Geographic Presents a Major Botanical Find of the Century: ‘Living Fossil’ Wollemi Pine Available for First Time in North America
BBC: ‘Dinosaur Trees’ Heavily Guarded

By Heidi Marshall