This is one of the rarest tree species in the world, facing increasing climate threats.
In 1994, hikers discovered a group of strange trees growing in a canyon within Wollemi National Park, about 100 km west of Sydney, Australia.
The hikers then informed a park naturalist, who subsequently provided leaf samples to a botanist. It was finally determined that they represented an ancient species essentially frozen in time since dinosaurs roamed the Earth: the Wollemi pine.
Called a “living fossil” by some, these Wollemi pines (Wollemia nobilis) closely resemble preserved remnants dating back to the Cretaceous period (145 million to 66 million years ago). It was thought to have been extinct for approximately 2 million years.
Now, scientists from Australia, the United States, and Italy have deciphered its genome, shedding light on the species’ unique evolution and reproductive habits, as well as supporting conservation efforts.
Accordingly, the Wollemi belongs to the Araucariaceae family, naturally found only in Australia. The tree can grow up to 40 meters tall, recognizable by its brown trunk covered in circular patterns resembling small bubbles.
Its branches are arranged horizontally, consisting of many small leaves, all characteristics that make it unique in the Cretaceous period.
This pine species has a very long lifespan. Some current trees are estimated to be 500-1,000 years old.
However, the Wollemi pine is threatened by Phytophthora cinnamomi, a mold that causes tree death, and by bushfires in New South Wales.
The genome deciphering also revealed why the Wollemi pine appears susceptible to disease, especially Phytophthora cinnamomi
Currently on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), the Wollemi pine is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) and is protected under special status by the Australian government.
The increase in extreme weather phenomena, linked to climate change, is a cause for concern. Botanists state that its existence is under threat.