A worldwide experiment is helping save an ancient Australian tree from extinction
The ancient Australian tree, the Wollemi pine, has gone global. It has been adopted by gardeners from Japan to Venezuela who are part of a massive conservation experiment that could save the critically endangered tree from extinction.Wolter PeetersWhen they were found in 1994, these unusual pines were new to science and captured the public’s imagination.
To find out where and how they grew best, the scientists asked gardeners on a range of channels, including a Facebook page run by the Wollemi Pine Preservation Forum, about the climate where they were growing, minimum and maximum temperatures, growth rate, and height of the trees. Offord and Zimmer said the Wollemi pines are a bit like Goldilocks. “They like things not too hot, not too cold, not too wet, not too dry,” said Zimmer, a research scientist with the Australian National Herbarium, a joint venture between Parks Australia and CSIRO.
Many were being grown in pots, and did best in loamy soil. Those in gardens ranged in size from 10 centimetres to 15 metres, less than half the height of the ancient trees in the wild. Some people have found them easy to grow, others have failed. On the Wollemi Pine Preservation Group, growers talked about their pines developing a “snow cap”, something that made Zimmer laugh. They were referring to a waxy growth that protects baby shoots.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Somalian sports minister apologises after sprinter's slow 100-metre run goes viralThere are calls for the chairwoman of Somalia's athletics federation to be suspended amid accusations of 'nepotism'.
Read more »
Australian cyclist Rob Stannard provisionally suspended over anti-doping violationAussie cyclist Rob Stannard denies taking a banned substance after being suspended for an anti-doping rule violation that ends his world championship hopes.
Read more »
Emotional baggage: Australian TikToker stumbles upon trunk full of family history from the Russian EmpireMelbourne TikToker Kate Ritchie and her siblings were clearing out an old shed at their grandparents’ place when they found a trunk. Full of documents and photos from the Russian Empire, including personal letters from Tsar Nicholas II, it stayed untouched for decades until it was discovered and…
Read more »
Outrage as iconic 130-year-old Sydney pub set for redevelopment into retail spaceThe proposition has attracted the attention of hundreds of furious locals, who say the venue is of "cultural and historical significance".
Read more »
Outrage as iconic 130-year-old Sydney pub set for redevelopment into retail spaceAfter more than 130 years of serving thirsty Sydneysiders, Paddington's oldest remaining pub is set to be redeveloped into a retail space. 9News How locals have reacted:
Read more »