The Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney

Life cycle and science of the Wollemi Pine

Explore the stages the Wollemi goes through to reach maturity and discover the work of scientists at the Australian PlantBank at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.

Wollemi Pine

Wollemi Pine - the life cycle

Explore the life cycle of the Wollemi Pine below by clicking on the 'hotspots'.

 

Wollemi Pine foliage and 'cone'

Real life science at Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan 

Soon after the discovery of the Wollemi Pine, our researchers at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan began developing growing techniques to safeguard the species by establishing a collection of multiple plants. This population of plants was then made available for research, and for commercial purposes so the public could purchase their own Wollemi seedlings. 

They investigated the growth of the Wollemi Pine from the very earliest stages of seed fertilisation, through to the germination and growth requirements of these spectacular plants. They also banked seeds at the Australian PlantBank as part of the conservation strategy.  

Wollemi Pine Pollen under a microscope

Wollemi Pine pollen under a light microscope (A and B) and under a scanning electron microscope (C and D). Credit: Chambers et al. (1998)

Seed germination

Observations in the wild and laboratory experiments show that the Wollemi Pine sheds seeds in summer and early autumn when temperatures are high. We found that Wollemia nobilis seeds germinate especially well when exposed to light and in temperatures 24°C–30°C.  

 

Seedling growth

The average number of branches produced was 5-17 in the first year, 25-36 in the second year and 24-30 in the third year giving a total of 60-77.  

Wollemi Pine seedlings at various stages of growth

Wollemi Pine Seedling Growth Experiments under different light conditions (from left: less light, to the right: highest amount of light).

Watch this video to discover more about the life cycle of the Wollemi.

Plant profile: Wollemi Pine

Science of the Wollemi Pine

In collaboration with other science agencies, the Botanic Gardens' research aims are:  

  • To understand how the Wollemi Pine grows in the wild and in cultivation

  • To investigate its germination requirements and seedbanking potential 

  • To bank seeds in the PlantBank, for long-term storage for conservation

  • Providing plants for display, interpretation and reintroduction 

  • Passing on lessons learned to the wider community. 

 

Watch Dr Cathy Offord describe some of the early research into the Wollemi Pine.

Wollemi Pine journey