The Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis) is a rare Australian conifer whose living wild population was found in 1994. Its exact location—a remote gorge in Wollemi National Park, New South Wales—is kept secret to protect the trees from disturbance and disease. The species belongs to the Araucariaceae, a plant family dating back about 200 million years; that does not mean any individual Wollemi pine is that old.
What is the prehistoric tree found alive in Australia?
It is the Wollemi pine, Wollemia nobilis, a conifer in the Araucariaceae family. NSW National Parks describes the family as 200 million years old, placing the Wollemi pine in an ancient lineage—not making the living species, or any individual tree, 200 million years old. The species was known from fossils and was thought extinct until a living stand was discovered in 1994.
Where is the Wollemi pine hidden?
The wild trees grow in a remote rainforest gorge within Wollemi National Park in New South Wales. The precise gorge and access details are not made public. Botanic Gardens of Sydney gives the broad orientation as about 150 km west of Sydney, but that is not a location clue or an invitation to search for the stand. The discovery was made by David Noble, an off-duty NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service officer, in 1994.
Why is the location secret?
The wild population is exceptionally small and vulnerable to damage. NSW National Parks identifies threats including fire, trampling, damage to soil and roots, invasive weeds, and pathogens such as Phytophthora cinnamomi. Keeping the site undisclosed reduces the risk that visitors inadvertently harm the trees or introduce disease.
#1 Best Overall
- 50 Seeds of Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree
- Sew 1/2 deep in good organic soil. Keep the seed bed moist while the plants germinate.
- Perfect for outdoor gardens, landscaping, containers, or as a cut-leaf plant for bouquets, wreaths, and crafts.
- Thrives in full sun with well-draining soil. Drought-tolerant once established and suitable for warm climates or patio growing.
Secrecy is one part of a wider conservation effort. NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said: “Since this ancient tree was discovered by David Noble, an off-duty National Parks and Wildlife Service ranger, the global effort to save the Wollemi Pine has set a new benchmark for conservation.”
How many Wollemi pines remain in the wild?
NSW National Parks reports 46 adult trees and 43 juvenile trees in the wild. The Australian Government’s 2025 National Recovery Plan describes them as one population divided into four discrete stands. These figures refer to the known wild population, not cultivated trees growing in gardens or nurseries.
Rank #2
- 50 TREE SEEDS INCLUDED: Provides multiple planting opportunities for growing Eastern White Pine trees from seed. Allows flexibility for spacing, thinning, or selecting the strongest seedlings as they develop.
- MATURE SIZE AND GROWTH: Eastern White Pine can reach 50–80 feet tall or more with a spread of 20–40 feet at maturity. Fast growth in early years makes it suitable for long-term landscape planning and coverage.
- EVERGREEN FOLIAGE: Features soft, flexible needle clusters that remain green year-round. Needles typically grow in bundles and create a full, layered appearance.
- SUNLIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial sun in some conditions. At least 6 hours of direct light supports optimal growth and structure.
- COLD HARDINESS: Suitable for USDA Zones 3–8, making it a reliable option for colder climates. Tolerates winter conditions once established.
Can you visit the wild trees or grow one yourself?
Do not try to locate or visit the hidden gorge. The conservation-friendly way to experience a Wollemi pine is through cultivated specimens or public collections where they are displayed. Nursery-grown trees are also available to buy in some places, depending on seller and shipping location. Buying a cultivated plant offers a way to grow the species without putting pressure on its wild habitat; it does not replace protection of the natural population.
If you buy a plant, check that the seller identifies it as nursery-grown Wollemia nobilis, and confirm the plant’s provenance, care instructions, and whether shipping is permitted to your location. Wollemi pines can be kept in pots, and some owners grow them indoors, but the right conditions and care depend on the plant and local climate. Follow the nursery’s specific guidance rather than treating an indoor setting as suitable in every home.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SEED CONTENTS: Includes 20 rose seeds for starting flowering garden plants. The packet quantity refers to the seeds supplied for sowing.
- FLOWER-GARDEN USE: Grow seedlings toward a rose planting in a bed or border. Allow room for the plant to develop before choosing its final spacing.
- LIGHT AND SOIL: Choose a sunny site with good drainage. Prepare a growing medium that holds moisture while allowing excess water to drain away.
- CONTAINER PLANNING: Use a draining container with room for the roots. Check moisture regularly because container soil can dry more quickly than a garden bed.
- SEEDLING DEVELOPMENT: Handle young roots carefully when moving plants. Flower form and appearance develop as the seedlings mature and can vary between plants.
Rank #4
- Fast Growing Evergreen Ornamental Tree (150 ft) – Great for a Bonsai Project
- Zones: 8 -10 – Grows in Poor Sandy Soils – Drought Tolerant
- Long Graceful Elegant Needles Weep Down from Branches growing from a Straight Trunk – Produces Cones in January to February
- Easy to Grow with High Germination Rates – Start Seeds in Individual Pots and Transplant at 1 to 3 Feet Growth (18 – 24 Weeks)
- Seeds are for the current and following growing seasons. Growing instructions and plant Images are included on the seed envelope. Seeds are stored in environmental conditions that promote seed life (Dark/Dry/Cool)
Rank #3
- Produces delicious and highly prized pine nuts, perfect for culinary use.
- Features a distinctive umbrella-shaped canopy that adds elegance to any landscape.
- Thrives in warm, dry climates and is highly drought-tolerant once established.
- Provides excellent shade with its wide-spreading branches, making it a great addition to gardens and parks.
- Grows into a majestic, long-lived tree that enhances property value and beauty for generations.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
