We are currently in the process of rejuvenating the planting in the Australia House and at the same time introducing some new, exciting species
The spectacular Wollemia (Wollemia nobilis) already moved in a few months ago (see below) and now a few other new arrivals are joining it. In the last few days we have planted a large specimen of the Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) and a large Kentia palm (Howea belmoreana), endemic to Lord Howe Island, which is part of Australia.
Recently, a Wollemie Pine of over 6 metres - one of the largest in Germany - has been planted in the Australia House. The tree, which is more than 20 years old, is a gift from Bommerholzer Baumschulen in Witten.
In 1994, David Noble, an Australian park ranger, made a discovery that sent the botanical world into an uproar: In a remote gorge in Wollemi National Park near Sydney, he found a tree species that had been thought to be extinct for millions of years. This ‘living fossil’ became known as Wollemia nobilis and is one of the rarest and oldest tree species in the world.
Wollemia nobilis, also known as Wollemi pine, belongs to the Araucaria family and can reach heights of up to 40 metres and an age of over 1000 years. Its slender, cylindrical growth form and warty bark are striking. Its growth habit is due to the fact that the lateral branches of the Wollemia usually do not branch out, but die off after the formation of cones, which are always located at the tips of the branches. New lateral branches then form from buds on the trunk. The fact that the branches only reach a certain age and length before they fall off gives the Wollemia a very slender, tall form.
The bark of the Wollemi pine is very unusual and therefore one of the species' distinguishing features. Its appearance is somewhat reminiscent of Coco-Pops or bubbling chocolate. However, the typical bark can only be seen on older trees. As our Wollemi pine in the Australian house is already over 20 years old, the typical bark structure is already apparent.
As no fossils of Wollemia nobilis itself have been found, it is not known how long this species has existed. However, fossils of similar species, which also belong to the genus Wollemia, are known from the early Eocene (approx. 55 million years ago, i.e. only after the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago). However, the Araucariaceae family has been around for 200 million years.
In the past, the entire population of this species may have been reduced to just one or two individuals, which can be recognised by the fact that all Wollemi pines living today are genetically identical. It is therefore probably due to a great coincidence that the species still exists today.
The discovery of Wollemia nobilis was not only a scientific sensation, but also an important impetus for nature conservation. Strict protective measures were taken to ensure the survival of this rare species and the tree was successfully cultivated. Today, offspring can be found in botanical gardens and even private gardens worldwide, helping to raise awareness of the importance of species conservation.
The story of Wollemia nobilis reminds us that our earth is still full of secrets and that the protection and exploration of our natural environment is invaluable. This living fossil not only offers a fascinating insight into the plant world of prehistoric times, but also symbolises the resilience and diversity of life on our planet.
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Last update: Feb 07, 2025
