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Wollemia nobilis branch structure
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Posted by torreya-2006 9 (My Page) on Wed, Jan 17, 07 at 6:15
Anyone who has a wollemi pine will notice that the tree
has a strange branch structure as the main branches have
no side branches.Ive never seen this in other conifers.
Could it be that side branches on the main branches evolved
later? and wollemia could have been one of the first
conifers to evolve??. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Wollemia nobilis branch structure
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| Once the wollemi gets over about a foot tall they will start to form side branches, not being a conifer expert, but I do have over 200 wollemi pines both here and in Australia. About half of my trees, which are mostly about 30-36" tall, are now forming side branches as opposed to the side leaves. These side branches are very vertical in stature. The larger trees 6-8' tall which I have seen in Australia have all developed side branches. The strange thing that happens with the development of side branches is the secretion of a white sticky substance where the side branch emerges. 
This photo shows the emergence of a side branch.
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RE: Wollemia nobilis branch structure
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Yes it can form side branches but a main branch needs
to be pruned for that to happen.Mine has made one side
branch from a pruned main branch.But its a fantastic
conifer. |
RE: Wollemia nobilis branch structure
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| The side branch shown in the photo is NOT a result of a pruning, it formed as a bud and then starts growing, when it is an inch or so long the white sap is excreated. the branch shown is about 24" from the base of a terminal tip cutting propagated plant. Yes, you are right that the tree will multi head where pruned, we have some in Oz which have 4-5 growth heads now. |
RE: Wollemia nobilis branch structure
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Let's get this discussion organized. A branch that emerges from a trunk or leader is a 1st-order branch. A branch that emerges from a 1st-order branch is a 2d-order branch. A branch that emerges....you get the picture. What Torreya seems to be saying is that Wollemia (TM!) has no 2d- or higher order branches. If so, this would be truly remarkable. It would also be very disadvantageous for the tree in trying to develop an optimal crown. It would mean that a tree, in order to increase its photosynthetic area, would have to constantly form new 1st-order branches; or keep elongating the ones it already has. The first solution would crowd the trunk of an older tree enormously, turning it into a thicket. The second solution would result in older trees with hundred-foot-long limbs draped on the ground because they could not support their own weight.
Sorry, guys, trees are not fools. Go back to the drawing board. |
RE: Wollemia nobilis branch structure
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| It does eventually develop numerous 2nd-order (and maybe 3rd-order?) branches - see photo at link Resin |
Here is a link that might be useful: Mature Wollemia, RBG Sydney Wollemia website
RE: Wollemia nobilis branch structure
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| "I do have over 200 wollemi pines" Green with envy. I have yet to even see one. From photos it certainly appears that they have higher order branches as they grow.
Reminds me a bit of cryptomeria. |
RE: Wollemia nobilis branch structure
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| Okay, that pic ends the conversation. |
RE: Wollemia nobilis branch structure
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| I'll be in Wollemia park sometime next week. I'm taking a trip tomorrow to visit family in Sydney area. I will make sure to take photos. Can't wait. Bass |
RE: Wollemia nobilis branch structure
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| Bass Sorry to inform you that you just can't see the wollemis in the Wollemi National Park, the area is restricted and you need government approval to get in there. The best place to see the wollemis is at the Sydney Botanic garden, Mt Tomah Gardens or Mt Annah gardens, All have fine displays of the trees.
Bruce |
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