The Wollemi Pines, thought to have vanished since the age of dinosaurs, were unexpectedly found by three bushwalkers in Australia’s Wollemi National Park. These coniferous trees, reaching heights of up to 40 meters, represent a species that thrived during the time of the southern supercontinent Gondwana.

Known scientifically as Wollemia nobilis, these remarkable trees were believed to have been lost to time until David Noble and his companions stumbled upon them during a winter hike in 1994. Noble, intrigued by their unusual appearance, collected a sample to investigate further. He later shared it with Wyn Jones, a dedicated botanist at the National Parks and Wildlife Service, who was astonished to learn they were not just ferns but large trees.

Retracing their steps a month later, Noble and Jones navigated the challenging terrain of the Wollemi National Park, which spans 496,000 hectares of dense eucalyptus and rainforest. Their descent involved abseiling down a 400-meter gorge before pushing through thick underbrush.

Upon reaching the site, Jones recognized the uniqueness of the trees, which boasted peculiar nodules on their bark that resembled bubbling chocolate. The largest specimen had a trunk nearly a meter wide, while others displayed multiple smaller trunks. The trees’ distinctive growth patterns and fern-like leaves further set them apart.

Surprisingly, the Wollemi Pines exist within a stone's throw of Sydney, Australia’s most populous city, in a region renowned for its botanical research. This has led experts to reflect on the vast gaps in our understanding of nature. Don Blaxell, a senior director at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, remarked on the astonishing discovery of a new pine genus so close to an urban center.

Research has revealed that Wollemia nobilis is both an extraordinary and an ordinary species. As a member of the ancient Araucariaceae family, the Wollemi pine dates back over 300 million years, with its closest relatives previously thought to be only two living genera, Araucaria and Agathis. Fossil evidence links the Wollemi to ancient species, with similarities to Agathis jurassica.

The Araucariaceae family emerged in the Triassic period, around 250 million years ago, and was widespread during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. However, by the end of the Cretaceous, many species retreated, vanishing from the northern hemisphere.

Despite the absence of Wollemi fossils, pollen analyses have linked Wollemia to previously enigmatic fossilized pollen known as Dilwynites, prevalent in the southern hemisphere's fossil record.

Botanists continue to explore the Wollemi National Park for additional stands of these ancient trees. So far, only one other group of 17 trees has been identified in a remote area, and the exact location of the original grove remains confidential to protect it from potential threats.

The survival of the Wollemi Pines raises intriguing questions. Plant pathologist Brett Summerell notes the peculiar isolation of these trees, suggesting that they may have specialized to thrive in specific ecological niches. This narrow distribution might have contributed to their long-term survival.

Genetic studies have revealed minimal variation among the trees, indicating they may be clones or part of a small, isolated population. The genetic analysis conducted by Rod Peakall's team demonstrated no differences in their DNA, making it difficult to determine how long these trees have been separated from others of their kind.

The successful cultivation of Wollemi Pines from seeds has surprised researchers, who initially feared low seed viability due to their clonal nature. However, thousands of seedlings have thrived in controlled environments, showcasing their adaptability.

As a result of the growing interest in these "living fossils," conservation measures have been implemented to ensure their protection. New South Wales has enacted laws safeguarding the pines, while various research programs are exploring optimal growth conditions.

The Botanic Gardens have even partnered with private horticultural companies to mass-produce Wollemi seedlings for international sale, ensuring the species' continued survival while funding ongoing research efforts.

Despite being classified as critically endangered by the IUCN, the Wollemi Pine has shown remarkable resilience since its rediscovery, with successful plantings in botanical gardens across Australia and beyond.

For those eager to witness these ancient trees, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, as well as the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London, offer glimpses of this extraordinary species that has endured through millennia.

After surviving countless threats of extinction, the Wollemi Pines now seem to have a promising future ahead.