Tue Sep 10 14:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Wakehurst Celebrates 30 Years of “Dinosaur Trees”
**Haywards Heath, UK -** Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the rediscovery of the Wollemi pine, a remarkable “dinosaur tree” thought to have gone extinct millions of years ago.
These ancient trees, which date back 200 million years, were rediscovered in a remote canyon in Australia in 1994. They were believed to have died out between 70 and 90 million years ago, making their survival a remarkable find.
Wakehurst is home to 15 of the first Wollemi pines introduced to the UK, and the collection is thriving in the garden’s Coates Wood. The garden has been actively propagating the trees and contributing to a global effort to ensure their survival.
“The meta-collection is a vital initiative, bringing together organisations worldwide to conserve this extraordinary species,” said Jo Wenham, curations manager at Wakehurst. “We’re delighted to be playing a role in their future.”
New Wollemi pines, grown in the garden’s nursery, are almost ready to be planted, further expanding the genetic diversity of the species. This effort is part of a global meta-collection initiative led by the Botanic Gardens of Sydney.
Wakehurst invites visitors to experience these living pieces of horticultural history, showcasing the resilience and beauty of these ancient trees.
First Piper 