The Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis) is a living fossil that was discovered in 1994 in a remote part of Australia’s Blue Mountains. Known from fossil records to have existed during the time of the dinosaurs, the Wollemi pine was thought to be extinct until its rediscovery, making it one of the rarest and most ancient trees on the planet.

This tree species is characterized by its distinctive bark, which resembles bubbly, dark brown and green “bubbles,” and its unique foliage that consists of fern-like leaves. The Wollemi pine’s habitat in the Blue Mountains is a sheltered and secluded area, which has helped to protect it from widespread environmental threats.

Conservation of the Wollemi pine involves strict protection of its natural habitat, as well as efforts to propagate and reintroduce the species into areas of its historic range. Public awareness and controlled cultivation in botanical gardens also play a role in preserving this ancient tree and its ecological significance.