Ancient Dinosaur-Era Tree in Worcestershire Garden Begins to Fruit After Millions of Years

A prehistoric tree known as the ‘dinosaur tree’ is flourishing in a private garden located in Wichenford, Worcestershire.

Tracing its origins back more than 90 million years, this species was long presumed extinct since the age of the dinosaurs, yet it is now producing fruit for the first time ever.

An Unexpected Survival Story

This extraordinary event follows the Thompsons, a retired couple who planted a young sapling in their garden in 2010.

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The Wollemi pine was once considered a fossilized lineage wiped out alongside the dinosaurs.

However, a significant 1994 discovery uncovered a hidden population of these ancient conifers in a remote region approximately 125 miles west of Sydney, Australia.

This finding revealed the species had in fact survived, overturning long-held extinction assumptions.

The Thompsons’ Exceptional Acquisition

Worcestershire residents Pamela and Alistair Thompson took part in conservation efforts to safeguard these rare trees.

Upon encountering a Wollemi pine sapling for sale, they purchased it in 2010 for £70, reflecting the species’ scarcity.

The sapling, measuring only 18 inches in height at the time, was planted in their garden in Wichenford, Malvern.

Today, the Thompson’s tree has grown vigorously. Reaching over 13 feet tall, it is now entering a pivotal phase of its natural cycle.

In a remarkable first, the tree has started to bear fruit this year. Pamela, 75, expressed her wonder: “I was stunned to discover the rare tree bearing fruit for the first time ever this month,” as reported by Expressandstar.

Significance of the Wollemi Pine’s Fruit

The fruiting of the Wollemi pine represents a critical reproductive milestone. This species is notable for producing both male and female cones.

Pamela explained, “The long dangling fruits are the male cones, and the round, spiky ones are female cones. We’re hopeful to harvest and germinate the seeds later this year, which would be truly remarkable. But we’ll have to wait and see.”

The couple's next goal is to propagate the tree by cultivating seeds collected from the fruit.

Pamela added, “It would be an incredible achievement to grow new seedlings from the world’s rarest tree.”

Wollemi Pine: A Botanical Rarity

Specimens have commanded prices exceeding £1,000, highlighting both their commercial value and uniqueness as a living fossil.

The rarity of the Wollemi pine has garnered attention from conservationists, scientists, and horticulture enthusiasts worldwide.

Through nurturing this exceptional tree, the Thompsons are playing an important role in preserving the species for posterity.

“It’s hard to believe we’re this fortunate. I saw a small tree selling for more than £1,000 which shows just how rare they are,” Pamela reflected.

Sharing Their Garden and the Wollemi Legacy

To promote appreciation and conservation of the Wollemi pine, the Thompsons plan to welcome visitors to their garden.

As part of the National Garden Scheme, their garden will open to the public on May 4.

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