Ornamental Of The Month: Wollemi Pine
Take a closer look at Wollemia nobilis.
April 2008
The Wollemi pine, Wollemia nobilis, is a coniferous tree with a very interesting history. It was discovered in 1994 growing in a narrow gorge in Wollemi National Park about 150 miles northwest of Sydney, Australia. It was matched to fossils that had previously been discovered and dated back to the late Cretaceous Period.
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Less than 200 mature and juvenile trees are found in the wild, and the location has been kept secret by scientists in order for minimal disturbance. It was found that the tree propagated easily, and a program was developed to propagate it. In 2005, millions of these trees were released into the market, and in 2006 they became available in the United States.
A Fine Pine
In the wild, they grow 80 to 120 feet tall. The needle-like foliage is flat, soft, and dark green. The bark looks “bubbly” and is chocolate brown. The Wollemi pine is not a true pine but a member of the Araucariaceae family. It seems easy to grow in sun or light shade and moist soil.
Eric Schmidt is the botanical recordkeeper for Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, FL.
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