The Wollemi Pine, sometimes called the “Wolfgang Plant,” is an ancient conifer. It is often described as a “living fossil,” a testament to its enduring lineage and survival through millions of years. It offers a unique glimpse into prehistoric flora.
Discovery and Ancient Lineage
The Wollemi Pine was discovered in September 1994 by David Noble, an officer with the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. He found unfamiliar trees in a remote gorge within Australia’s Wollemi National Park, 150 kilometers northwest of Sydney. Before this discovery, the species was known only through fossil records and believed to be extinct.
The Wollemi Pine’s lineage dates back over 200 million years to the Jurassic period, existing alongside dinosaurs. This ancient connection solidifies its status as a “living fossil,” having survived largely unchanged through vast geological eras. Its rediscovery was likened to finding a living dinosaur, highlighting its paleontological importance.
Unique Botanical Features
The Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) has several distinctive physical characteristics. Its bark is unusual, developing a chocolate-brown, bubbly appearance as it matures, sometimes likened to “chocolate crackles” or “Coco Pops.” Juvenile leaves are bright lime-green and fern-like, transitioning to blue-green with age. Mature foliage has stiff, flattened leaves arranged in spiral rows.
This conifer is monoecious, meaning individual trees produce both male and female cones on separate branches. Cones typically appear when the tree is between 9 and 15 years old. A notable growth habit is its ability to “coppice,” regrowing multiple stems from its base, which contributes to a multi-stemmed, bushy appearance.
Cultivating the Wollemi Pine
The Wollemi Pine is adaptable for cultivation, thriving in various environments with proper care. It can be grown outdoors in suitable climates or as an indoor/outdoor container plant. For outdoor planting, choose a location with full sun to partial shade, sheltered from strong winds or frosts. In hotter climates, some shade is beneficial for younger plants to prevent leaf scorch.
This tree prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 6. While it tolerates various soil types, amending heavy clay soils with loam-based compost improves drainage. Water thoroughly when the top 5 cm of potting mix or soil feels dry, typically every one to two weeks; avoid overwatering. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
The Wollemi Pine tolerates a wide temperature range, from -12°C (10.4°F) to 45°C (113°F) outdoors, though a range of -10°C to 35°C is often recommended. Indoor plants need a well-lit position near a window and should be moved outdoors to a sheltered, shaded area for about one week each month. Fertilize annually in early spring with a slow-release, low-phosphorus granular fertilizer, or a balanced controlled-release fertilizer supplemented with fortnightly liquid feeds during active growth.
Pruning can be done any time of year using sterile secateurs to maintain shape or size. For larger cuts, winter pruning is recommended. New buds emerge from just below the cut, and removing the central leader encourages a bushier, multi-stemmed form. Repot container-grown plants every two to three years into a slightly larger pot with quality potting mix.
Conservation and Accessibility
The Wollemi Pine is classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, with fewer than 100 mature trees remaining in the wild. Wild populations are vulnerable to threats like fire and pathogens such as Phytophthora cinnamomi, a root rot introduced by unauthorized visitors. Conservation efforts include strict protection of wild sites, fire management strategies, and propagation programs.
To safeguard the species, the Wollemi Pine became available to the public through controlled propagation starting in 2005. Royalties from sales directly contribute to conservation initiatives for the Wollemi Pine and other endangered plant species. These ethically sourced plants can be purchased from reputable nurseries and botanical garden sales worldwide, allowing individuals to contribute to its preservation.