Wollemi Pine Coming to Marks Hall
Published: August 2007
Exciting news about a truly unique project: you may be aware of the recent discovery in Australia of a very rare and unusual species of tree, the Wollemi Pine. This really is a living fossil and we are planning to plant the first grove of these trees here at Marks Hall in our Gondwanaland area.
It is essential for the conservation of the Wollemi Pine that it is planted in tree collections and gardens worldwide. Not everybody can plant one in their own garden but you can share in this global conservation project by helping us plant our Wollemi Grove.
What is a Wollemi Pine?
This tree (Wollemia nobilis) is one of the world’s rarest and most ancient; there are fewer than 100 of the trees in the wild. It was only in 1994 that it was discovered to be the ultimate survivor of the Arucariaceae family of tree that inhabitated the earth 200 million years ago. Since then seeds have been germinated and efforts are being made around the world to ensure that the tree survives. The chance of discovering a tree like this is incredibly rare, something which is never likely to happen again. So, royalties from the sales of Wollemi Pine go to support not only its conservation but that of other endangered species too. This work is masterminded by the Royal Botanic Society at Kew, relevant to us because of Thomas Phillips Price’s connections with the Society over 100 years ago.
What does it look like?
It is a conifer with attractive, unusual dark green foliage, bubbly bark and sprouts multiple trunks. It is related to the Monkey Puzzle , Norfolk Island and Bunya trees.
Why should we plant Wollemi at Marks Hall?
We will grow a spectacular Grove of Wollemi Pines, at least 20 and up to a hundred. The more successful our appeal the bigger and better our planting (and we will still have room to plant complementary species, such as the Monkey Puzzle, alongside them). It will create a landscape like the one in which the dinosaurs roamed.
Where are we going to plant them?
Gondwanaland is exactly the right place as it already represents the landscape and planting of the supercontinent of 200 million years ago. This will be the first large scale planting in the extended arboretum at Marks Hall.
When?
Our new patron, Professor Stephen Hopper, the new Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens is visiting us in October and he will lead the ceremonial planting. He is, fittingly, Australian!
Furthermore his visit will be 20 years, plus a day, after the great storm of 1987, in which nature felled so many trees for us. It was as a result of this change in the landscape of Marks Hall that Gondwanaland was planned.
Why are we telling you all this?
This is your opportunity not just to help to create a piece of history at Marks Hall through this very special planting of a Wollemi Pine Grove but also to be part of an important world wide conservation effort. This project contributes both to the long term objectives of the Royal Botanic Society and to the long term plans for our own Arboretum. It will cost £100 to get each tree into the ground; so contributions to our fund, large and small, will be much appreciated. There could be many reasons to plant a Wollemi: birthdays, anniversaries, special memories, or just to help the project. Donors will be acknowledged on our interpretation board. For more information on donating please contact the Visitor Centre on 01376 563796.
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