www.treehugger.com/files/2005/05/wip_wollemi_pin.php
jpg It is no reason to stop living a green lifestyle, but have you noticed th at extinct species seem to be popping up everywhere? Recently, the exist ence of the ivory-billed woodpecker, thought extinct for over 60 years, was confirmed deep in the woods of Arkansas. Your chances of seeing this shy bird are low, but another rediscovered species is set to become the must-have apartment plant of the decade. The Wollemi Pine was rediscov ered by David Noble, a NSW National Park and Wildlife Officer, in 1994 in Sydneys Blue Mountains. Biologists have described this as akin to ru nning across a live dinosaur during a walk in the bush. Previously, it w as known only from the fossil records, dating back at least 90 million y ears. The Wollemi pines most unique feature is the bubbly bark, which looks al most blistered. The dark green conifer is the ultimate sustainable Chris tmas tree and grows well indoors or on shaded balconies. Now, after year s of micro-propagation, tissue cultivation and bring-it-back-from-the-br ink-of-extinction biological efforts, this plant will be coming to a sto re near you soon. And here is the best part: every purchase supports sur vival of the dinosaur tree in the wild, where only about 100 mature adul ts are known to remain in two stands. The trees are on display at the US Botanical Garden in Washington DC un til 28 May The first chance for the general public to see the trees in the UK is at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show on 24-28 May The trees are als o featured at the World Expo in Aichi Japan.
And if you get serious about buying, you might want to make a bid for the 'Collectors Edition' trees which will become available in October 2005. To quote a representative of the Kew Gardens: These will be 3 year old first generation trees that can be directly tra ced back to those in the wild and will therefore be very valuable.
org to add your nam e and address to the list to be notified about events in the UK. " I don't see a reference for sales in the Smit hsonian info, although they are involved in researching the trees hardin ess in the Northern climes (with positive results). But if you are willi ng to settle for an ordinary non-collector's dinosaur tree, you can wait until April of 2006 when more smaller trees will be put on the market d irect from the Wollemi people down under. You can register your interest at the Wollemi Pine site (link above).
Read next post :: Comments :: Post a comment But before you do - please note the following: a) Imagine you are raising your hand in a crowded room to ask a question or make a comment. If you want product info, plea se contact the company directly.
|
http://csua.com/feed/