What's Happening?
Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, has successfully collected a significant number of seeds from the critically endangered Wollemi pine, often referred to as the 'dinosaur tree.' This year marked a 'mast year,' a rare event where trees produce
an unusually high quantity of seeds. The nursery team at Wakehurst collected 168 seeds, a substantial increase from the typical 20 to 30 seeds. These seeds are considered potentially viable and will be stored at Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, the world’s largest store of wild seeds. The Wollemi pine, native to Australia, was thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in 1994. The seeds collected this year will join an existing collection from Kew’s living collection gathered in 2011, some of which have successfully germinated.
Why It's Important?
The collection of Wollemi pine seeds is a significant milestone in the conservation of this rare species. The Wollemi pine is a living fossil, providing valuable insights into prehistoric plant life. By banking these seeds, Wakehurst is contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of endangered species. The successful germination of seeds from previous collections demonstrates the potential for these efforts to ensure the survival of the Wollemi pine. This initiative highlights the importance of botanic gardens and seed banks in global conservation strategies, offering hope for the future of other endangered plant species.
