Meet the World’s Most ‘Protected’ Tree

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Meet the World’s Most ‘Protected’ Tree—A Jurassic Survivor Once Thought Extinct

Hidden deep within the remote canyons of Wollemi National Park in New South Wales, Australia, thrives a tree so rare and ancient that its exact location is kept under tight wraps.

The Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis), a conifer species from the 200-million-year-old Araucariaceae family, was believed to have gone extinct—until its rediscovery in 1994, which reshaped botanical history.

Since then, this ancient survivor has become the focus of one of the world’s most rigorous conservation efforts. With only a handful of trees remaining in the wild, the species is closely monitored and protected from poaching, disease, and environmental threats. Even those allowed access to the site undergo decontamination to ensure this Jurassic relic remains untouched by modern dangers.

The Wollemi Pine’s Rediscovery in 1994—Pure Luck
In September 1994, David Noble, a field officer with the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service, was trekking through a remote gorge in Wollemi National Park. An experienced bushwalker and canyon explorer, Noble had navigated this rugged terrain before, but this time, something caught his attention.

Above the thick underbrush stood a tree unlike anything he had ever seen: its dark, knobby bark resembling bubbling chocolate, and its fern-like foliage eerily reminiscent of fossils he had studied. Intrigued, Noble took samples and brought them back for identification.

What followed was one of the most astonishing botanical discoveries in recent history. Experts confirmed that the tree was not only a new species but also a new genus—Wollemia—a rare example of a “living fossil,” akin to the Gingko biloba. With relatives dating back to the Jurassic period, the Wollemi pine had defied extinction, surviving in isolation in this hidden canyon.

The Wollemi Pine: ‘The Botanical Equivalent of a Small Dinosaur’
Noble’s samples were sent to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Sydney, where botanists Wyn Jones and Jan Allen quickly recognized the significance. The samples were handed to Carrick Chambers, the Director of the Royal Botanical Gardens at the time, who declared the discovery “the botanical equivalent of finding a small dinosaur still alive on Earth.”

It’s rare for a tree from the age of dinosaurs to still be living and thriving. The Wollemi pine offered an unprecedented link to Earth’s distant past, providing valuable insights into plant evolution and survival.

Upon realizing that only around 100 trees remained in the wild, conservationists moved swiftly to secure their future. Access to the site was heavily restricted, and the exact location was kept secret. Only a select group of researchers were granted permission to study the trees.

Strict Conservation Measures
In addition to restricting access, stringent biosecurity measures were implemented to protect the trees from potential threats, such as the Phytophthora cinnamomi, a deadly soil-borne disease that could decimate the population. Anyone visiting the site had to undergo decontamination to avoid introducing harmful pathogens.

From Secrecy to Global Symbol of Conservation
Despite its precarious status, the Wollemi pine has flourished and become a global symbol of conservation. Efforts have been made to grow the species outside its wild habitat, with young trees now thriving in botanic gardens and private collections worldwide.

A Symbol of Resilience
Over the years, the Wollemi pine has grown into a symbol of resilience, longevity, and the importance of conservation. Seedlings have been planted in prestigious locations, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, Kew Gardens in London, and various other protected sites globally. These trees serve as ambassadors for biodiversity, reminding us that even the oldest species on Earth still require protection.

Wollemi Pine: From the Wild to the World
In 2005, the Wollemi pine became commercially available, allowing individuals and institutions to own and cultivate this ancient marvel. The idea was simple: by growing the pines in gardens and botanic collections, conservationists hoped to reduce the threat of illegal poaching and help secure the species’ future outside its endangered wild habitat.

Although the commercial partnership ended in 2010, many Wollemi pines continue to be cultivated worldwide. Today, owning one is not just a novelty—it’s a meaningful contribution to conservation.

The Wollemi Pine’s Future
In its natural habitat, however, the Wollemi pine remains critically endangered. As of 2021, only 46 adult trees remain in the wild, accompanied by a few dozen juveniles. Conservationists continue to monitor the species, safeguarding it against disease, climate change, and wildfires (which claimed several trees during the devastating 2019-20 Australian fires).

What began as a secret discovery deep in the Wollemi National Park has evolved into one of the most extraordinary conservation success stories of our time. While the species remains endangered, efforts to protect it have allowed it to thrive in botanic gardens, research institutions, and protected areas worldwide. Its survival in the wild, however, remains uncertain.

For a tree that coexisted with dinosaurs, its comeback is nothing short of remarkable. The story of the Wollemi pine is a testament to the resilience of life on Earth, yet also a reminder of how delicate and irreplaceable our natural world is. Take the free Connectedness to Nature Scale to discover how important nature is to you.

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