Wollemi nobilis W.G. Jones, K.D. Hill & J.M.Allen, 1995
Common name(s): Wollemi Pine
Plant Properties
Domed - Narrow Leaf Properties
Linear 
Glabrous 
Glaucous 
Entire 
Flat 
Parallel 
Opposite 
Acute Narrowly,
Obtuse 
Attenuate 
Sessile Bark / Stem / Culm Properties
Lumpy / Papillate / Papillose,
Rough / Scabrous 
Lumpy / Papillate / Papillose,
Rough / Scabrous 
Wood Fibres / Solid 
Terete Flower Properties
Coned Pollen Male 
Pedicelate 
Inflorescence - Male Strobilus 
Coned Sporophyll
Pedicelate 
Inflorescence - Female Cone Fruit Properties
Cone Simple 
Orbicular 
Rough / Scabrous Seed Properties
Samara 
Cuneate 
Papery,
Smooth 
Wing Root Properties
Tap Plate 
Rough / Scabrous Soil Properties
Moist 
None Other Properties / Uses
General Notes
The species was known by fossil records only, until 1994 in steep-sided sandstone gorges of temperate rainforest wilderness area in NSW, Australia, it was dicovered growing. It is the worlds oldest and rarest plant. A critically endangered species, with approximately 50 adult and 200 juvenile plants in its natural area. One amazing feature is every plant in the wild has the exact same DNA. It was released to the public in 2006 through nurseries across Australia.
An unusual specimen tree for the large garden or landscape. Fast growing, up to half metre a year, and taking temperature as low as -12o up to 45oC. While it will take full sun when more mature, while it is less than ten years old it requires some light shade and a cool root run.
Male and female cones grow on the same tree with the female cone (125mm, globular) growing just above the male cone (110mm cylindrical). There are two types of branches, one grows upright like a trunk arising in most cases from the base of the tree and the other that grows laterally and bears sessile leaves.
Propagation Notes
Refrigerated Stratified Seed
Female cones take 18 months to ripen after they begin growing in mid-summer. Collect seed when the cone starts to crumble in your hand. Place in a paper bag and allow to dry fully in a warm, dry place for 3-4 weeks and the seed will fall out of the cone. Clean and store in a cool dark place before sowing. Seeds are non-dormant.
Viability:- 10 - 20% 150 - 200 seeds/cone
Seeds/gram:- 5
Premium Seed Raising Mix
Sow seed on the surface, cover lightly with fine gravel, water in. Place on 21° heated bed with misters. Maintain a hothouse temperature around 24 - 30° at plant level and hothouse environment between 30-50% humidity where possible. Spray fortnightly with fungicide and every 4 weeks with Seasol.
Viable seeds/gram:-
Germination time:- 14 - 120 days
Pricking out:- 5 – 9 months into tubes after germination
Tube Mix:- Premium Seed Raising Mix
Can be sown in seedling trays and pricked out or direct into P2 tubes.
Beware of 'Plant Breeders Rights' before propagating this plant.
Tip Cuttings
Firm wood tip cuttings. Mist frequently to keep hydrated.
1 part Cocopeat + 1 part Perlite
Keep hydrated during prep.. Water tray of mix and thoroughly wet with Previcur fungicide. Cutting approx. 75 - 100mm long. Firm wood tip cuttings, dip in Easiroot. Using a dibber, press gently into tray of mix. Mist frequently while continuing cutting process. Place on 21° heated bed with misters. Maintain hothouse environment between 30-50% humidity and temperature between 20-34° C. Spray fortnightly with fungicide. Keep in bright but indirect light.
Strike Rate:- Field Stock 40% for tip cuttings, lower segment 45%
Nursery Stock 71% for tip cuttings, lower segment 82%
Rooting time:- Field Stock 3 - 6 months
Nursery Stock 3 - 6 months
Cuttings taken from the top of the tree will produce a vertical growing plant, while cuttings from the bottom of the tree will produce horizontal growth.
Beware of 'Plant Breeders Rights' before propagating this plant.