Wollemia
Contents
Description
Wollemia is a genus of coniferous tree that is native to Australia. It was first discovered in 1994, making it one of the most recently discovered plant species. The plant has a unique appearance and is considered a living fossil due to its ancient lineage. The tree can reach up to 40 meters in height and features long, narrow leaves arranged in a spiral pattern. It produces cones that can be up to 10 cm long and 7 cm wide. Wollemia trees are rare and endangered, with only a few hundred specimens known to exist in the wild.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Araucariaceae |
| Genus | Wollemia |
Appearance
Wollemia trees have a distinct appearance that sets them apart from other conifers. The long, narrow leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern and are a dark green color. The bark of the tree is a reddish-brown color and is rough to the touch. The cones produced by Wollemia trees are up to 10 cm long and 7 cm wide and are a reddish-brown color. The tree can reach up to 40 meters in height, although most specimens are much smaller.
Care Guide
Wollemia trees are relatively easy to care for, but they do require specific conditions to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for Wollemia plants:- Water: Wollemia trees prefer moist soil, but they do not like standing water. Water the tree regularly, but make sure the soil has good drainage.- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.- Soil: Wollemia trees prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, sand, and perlite is ideal.- Sunlight: Wollemia trees prefer partial shade, but they can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist.- Hardiness Zones: Wollemia trees are hardy in zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Wollemia trees are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to certain problems. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect Wollemia trees:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. Use a horticultural oil spray to control spider mites.- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and a sticky residue on the bark. Use a horticultural oil spray to control scale insects.- Root rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that thrives in wet soil. Make sure the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot.
Habitat
Wollemia trees are native to Australia and are found in a few isolated locations in New South Wales. The trees grow in moist, shaded areas in deep gorges and canyons. The habitat of the Wollemia tree is under threat due to habitat destruction and climate change, and the species is considered endangered.
Question and Answer
Q: How rare is the Wollemia tree?
A: The Wollemia tree is very rare, with only a few hundred specimens known to exist in the wild.
Q: How old is the Wollemia tree?
A: The Wollemia tree is considered a living fossil and is estimated to be around 90 million years old.
Q: Is the Wollemia tree difficult to grow?
A: The Wollemia tree is relatively easy to grow, but it does require specific conditions to thrive.
Q: Why is the Wollemia tree important?
A: The Wollemia tree is important because it is a living relic of an ancient time and provides valuable information about the evolution of plants.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Wollemia tree:- Araucaria araucana- Agathis australis- Podocarpus totara
References
– “Wollemia nobilis.” Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed July 22, 2021. https://www.kew.org/science/who-we-work-with/wollemia-nobilis.- “Wollemia nobilis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 22, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287245.
