Wollemi
Pine
Wollemia nobilis
 |
Canyon
with Wollemi Pine Wollemia nobilis |
The Wollemi Pine
is a botanical sensation – it is the world’s rarest plant
with less than 100 adult trees known to exist in the wild in only one
location.
The Wollemi Pine
was thought to have become extinct millions of years ago. Protected by
the walls of an almost impenetrable sandstone gorge, the pines were undiscovered
in Wollemi National Parks until 1994. It is the only living species in
the genus wollemia. Genetic analysis revealed another mystery;
all Wollemi Pines found in the wild are clones – they are genetically
identical.
To help with the
conservation of this most ancient tree, the Foundation for National Parks
& Wildlife funded various projects:
- Helicopter survey
to identify all existing sites in the gorge.
- Genetic analysis
of the trees at all sites (still no detectable genetic differences found)
- Production and
distribution of an updated brochure on Wollemi Pine management and propagation
- Community relations
with parks user groups and tour operators to prevent damage of the sites
through people trying to visit the trees
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