The Wollemi Pine tree (Wollemia nobilis) rediscovered twelve years ago looks something like an oversized yew and in botanical terms is the equivalent of discovering a living dinosaur today. And you too could soon have this Jurassic tree growing in your back garden.

When Dave Noble abseiled down into a rainforest gorge some 200 km west of Sydney in the Blue Mountains he found himself dwarfed by remarkable-looking trees. He brought away with him a fallen branch. Later analysis showed this to be a plant that was believed to be extinct and is now considered to be the oldest living species of tree in the world, fitting in alongside the dinosaurs of the Jurassic era.

The pine belongs to the 200 million year old Araucariaceae family and there are less than 100 of the mature trees left in the wild, the largest being around 131 ft tall.

In 2005 the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin received some of the first specimens of the species in Europe. It is planted in the central section of the Curvilinear Glasshouse and is being tested for its suitability for cultivation in Ireland. Survival of such rare plants as the Wollemi is helped by the selling and growing of the plant worldwide and gardeners are now emerging as playing a vital role in the propagation of such endangered species.

Future gardens may host this conifer, which has attractive dark green foliage. The bark is very distinctive, covered in what look like small brown blisters. The tree sprouts multiple trunks and has a distinctive, prehistoric look. It is fast-growing and is happiest in lime-free soil. Plants should be available in 2006. The first batch of 50 will be auctioned and more will be released later.

The Botanic Gardens is open to visitors daily. There are over 50 acres of gardens and some 10,000 plant species and varieties. The historic Victorian glass houses have been recently magnificently restored and host diverse educational and horticultural exhibits. The café offers splendid food and views over the gardens. CIE take you directly to the gate and entry is free. The gardens offer a marvellous opportunity for a great day out for family or groups.
Further details from www.wollemipine.com