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| Wollemi Pine™ | |
| In 1994, forester Davis Noble discovered a new species of pine tree growing in a deep gorge in the Wollemi National Park (within the Blue Mountains area) some 200km northwest of Syndey, Australia. The species, a member of the Araucariaceae family, is named Wollemi nobilis. The height of the 90 or so trees of discovered is 23-40m and the age of the individual trees is estimated at up to 2000 years. After much research itis confirmed that this exact same species occurs as fossils dating back as far as 90 million years ago; the Jurassic era and the age of the Dinosaurs. The closest relatives to this species are thought to have became extinct some 2 million years ago. It is thought that the species was able to survive due to the fog and humidity that accumulates in the gorge where the trees were found. The species is said to be tolerant of temperatures between 45°C and –5°C. The species grows to an umbelliferous form and is very shade tolerant. It will reach a mature height of 40m, producing large dark green needles and bright attractive bark. It is likely that they will be commercially grown as container plants (either for use as house or patio plants). The biggest hazzards to the wild population are represented by fire and disease. Limited infection of some trees by Phytophthora cinnamoni has been found and the infected trees injected with an appropriate fungicide and isolated where possible. This disease causes root rot. Exclusive propagation of the Wollemi Pine™ is being made in Australia. A royalty of €1 per young plant is levied and this money will go to further the Wollemi Pine™ conseravtion work in Australia. Young plants have been distributed to major botanic gardens. The first cultivated Wollemi Pine™ trees were auctioned for sale at Sotherby’s, Sydney, last October for a total of €656.000. Five trees were purchased for €20.000 and donated to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. About 20% of the bids came from overseas, especially from the UK. Exclusive sales and distribution of the Wollemi Pine™ in Europe has been granted to the European members of a plant promotional organization. One of the largest specimens will be presented at the “Wollemi Pine Show” during the Euroflora exhibition at Genova, Italy (21st April-1st May) www.euroflora06.it “The Garden”, www.wollempine.it www.wollemipine.com |
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