Story: 30 Years of Wollemi Pine
Episode: 10
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Air Date: 16 November 2024

Trevor discovers the Wollemi Pine, a living fossil once thought extinct for millions of years—now thriving again thanks to dedicated conservation efforts!

• In 1994, ranger David Noble discovered a rare cluster of pine trees in Wollemi National Park, north of Sydney, previously thought to be extinct for 2 million years. The species was identified from fossil records dating back 91 million years.
• David Van Berkel led the effort to propagate the Wollemi Pine, with new trees being cloned from the few surviving trees found in the canyon. This effort has helped bring the species back from the brink of extinction.
• The Wollemi Pine belongs to the Araucaria family, which also includes Norfolk Island Pines, Monkey Puzzle trees, and Bunya Bunya Pines. Though called "pines," they are actually conifers with cones.
• The original Wollemi Pines are believed to have been a few survivors that sprouted new growth or “suckered” from the base, creating the grove effect. New trees may take time to develop this characteristic.
• The lifespan of a Wollemi Pine is unknown, but the original trees could be hundreds, if not thousands, of years old, and they can continue to sucker and grow throughout their life.
• Wollemi Pines can grow up to 40 meters tall in the wild, but they require space both in height and width. When grown in containers, they remain more compact but still need a large pot for optimal growth.
• These trees thrive in cool, shaded conditions. They can be grown in tubs, but it's important to use high-quality potting mix, avoid full sun, and rotate them outdoors for a few months a year to keep them healthy.

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