Wollemia nobilis

Wollemia nobilis W.G.Jones, K.D.Hill & J.M.Allen

Family: Araucariaceae

Common Name: Wollemi Pine

Wollemia nobilis, the only species in its genus, is found in Australia, specifically in a handful of nearby locations in New South Wales not far from Sydney, within the Wollemi National Park. It is an evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 40 meters. Although it existed on the planet since the Mesozoic era (the age of the dinosaurs), it was believed to be extinct and known only as a fossil until it was accidentally discovered in 1994. At the time of its discovery in the wild, there were only a few dozen mature specimens and a couple of hundred young plants. Due to its rarity, it is subject to controlled propagation programs in Australia and is protected by law. It is considered to be at extremely high risk of extinction and is classified by researchers as "critically endangered", the same category in which gorillas are placed.