Wollemi pine

The Wollemi Pine is a species of evergreen tree known by the scientific name Wollemia nobilis. It is an example of a living fossil that was thought to have gone extinct 150 million years ago until it was rediscovered in 1994 in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, Australia.

Despite its name, the Wollemi is not actually a pine, but part of the Araucariaceae family.

Living Fossil


The Wollemi Pine was thought by some to have become extinct along with the dinosaurs. Previous specimens of the Wollemi existed only in fossil form, which scientists said dated back to the Jurassic era.

The find was so significant, a Professor of the Royal Botanic Gardens was quoted as saying the find was "like finding a live dinosaur."

Because the tree has survived virtually unchanged for so long, creationists believe it is proof that neither Araucariaceae, nor dinosaurs, are nearly as old as some believe.

Anatomy
The Wollemi can grow to about 130 feet in its natural habitat. Its bark is frequently described as having the appearance of bubbling chocolate. Its fern-like leaves are an unusually dark, pale green. The tree holds both light green female cones, and traditionally brown male cones.

Ecology
Wollemi pines can grow in temperatures ranging from 23 to 113°F, although tests in America and Japan have shown it can survive temperatures as low as 10°F.

Availability


In September of 2006, National Geographic began making specimens of the Wollemi Pine available to members of the public who can help insure its survival.