Planet Earf Australia Found the Last 60 Trees Left on Earth

[Freija]

This video tells the incredible story of the Wollemi Pine—from its accidental rediscovery and scientific significance to one of the world's most successful plant conservation programs.

This is cool and I never even heard of until this video popped up in my feed. In an isolated remote canyon in Australia, a grove of trees of a species thought to be extinct for 90 million years was discovered that could be found nowhere else on the planet. The video talks about their discovery, the process of science to identify what they were and the ongoing preservation efforts and the programs they came up with to ensure survival of the species.

 

[EndtheMadnessNow]

Huh, the Jurassic land down wonder. Never heard of this either. Incredible mind-blowing discovery regarding its identical genome.

Life finds a way...

The Wollemi pine is monoecious, and produces male and female cones on the same tree. The cones begin to be produced on the tips of separate branches when trees are more than ten years, although this varies much depending on growing conditions. The long male cones produce the pollen and the spherical female cones bear seeds.

Through millions of years of population decline, the Wollemi has maintained its ability to reproduce sexually, and has adopted a secondary reproductive strategy; self-coppicing. During winter months, it remains dormant and a white resinous coating forms over its growing buds, often referred to as a ‘polar cap’. It is widely regarded that this adaptation may have helped the Wollemia survive many ice ages.

The Ponderosa pines in the Pacific Northwest produce giant pine cones. They only germinate after a hot wildfire which explodes the cones and out pops a seed. The coarse pine bark smells like vanilla or butterscotch which makes hiking through a Ponderosa forest really pleasant.

 

[Bally]

Great posts. I consider being very lucky to have many types of trees growing across the property. A kind of all sorts. The trees and timbers are beautiful. One such patch in the back hills over the creek is protected as a black cockatoo nesting area. Another small patch at the bottom creek boundary is also protected for a rare frog of sorts.

Difficult ground to traverse which makes it safe for the flora and fauna. The 2019 fires took out a lot but is has since regenerated. Interesting to see the mist rising from that part of the property in the morning. I need to appreciate it more after viewing the vid and ETMN's response. Guess I just take it for granted. And, I shouldn't.

Kind regards,

Bally)))

 

[Bally]

A lot of unique trees. These are intriguing.

Bally)

 

[Freija]

I found a follow up video about these trees. It seems the conservation efforts are going quite well.