SEPTEMBER marked the 30th anniversary of the rediscovery of Wollemi pines, a remarkable tree on the brink of extinction.

A collection of the ‘dinosaur trees’ is thriving at Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex.

Wollemi pines lived 200 million years ago, with experts estimating they became extinct between 70 to 90 million years ago. However, in 1994 they were rediscovered in a remote canyon in Australia. They were subsequently propagated and distributed worldwide. Wakehurst is home to 15 of the first-ever Wollemi pines planted in the UK.

A new group of Wollemi pines is almost ready to be planted out, as part of a new genetically diverse global meta-collection, grown in the Botanic Gardens of Sydney.

Wakehurst’s curations manager Jo Wenham said: “The meta-collection is a vital initiative, bringing together organisations worldwide to conserve this extraordinary species, and we’re delighted to be playing a role in their future. The Wollemi pines at Wakehurst have been growing well in the nursery, and we’re excited to introduce them to the gardens, so that even more visitors can connect with this living piece of horticultural history.”