Pamela and Alistair Thompson, a retired couple, discover seeds worth over $6,000 from their Wollemi pine tree. Learn about their rare find and their plan to sell seeds for charity.
A retired couple from Worcestershire, UK, have made an extraordinary discovery that could be worth over $6,000, thanks to the rare Wollemi pine tree in their garden.
Pamela and Alistair Thompson, both 75, purchased the tree for just $93 in 2010 as a sapling. What they didn’t know at the time was that this “dinosaur tree,” so named for its prehistoric roots, would eventually yield seeds that could become highly valuable.
The Wollemi pine, often referred to as a “dinosaur tree,” has a fascinating history. Dating back more than 90 million years, it was believed to have gone extinct with the dinosaurs until a small grove was discovered in Australia in the 1990s. The rarity of the tree makes its seeds highly sought after.
A First for the Wollemi Pine Tree
The Thompson couple planted the tree in their garden, and this year, for the first time, the tree produced seeds. The excitement was palpable, with Pamela expressing her surprise and joy at the unexpected discovery.
“I had been keeping half an eye on a female cone for ages as I was advised they usually drop their seeds in late August or early September,” Pamela explained. “This year has been so unusually dry, it happened earlier.”
She continued, “A few days ago, I reached up to a female cone and the seeds all cascaded into my cupped hands. It was very exciting actually collecting the seeds from such an ancient tree that lived when dinosaurs roamed.”
A Bright Future for the Seeds
With five large cones producing around a hundred large seeds each, the couple is hoping that they can sell the seeds in small packs to raise money for charity. Pamela and Alistair are planning to sell the seeds online in bundles of five or six for around $6.70 (£5) per pack, making them accessible to enthusiasts while contributing to a good cause.
“I saw a small tree for sale for more than $1,300 (£1,000), which shows just how rare they are,” said Pamela. “We hope to raise funds for charity with the sale of these seeds.”
The Thompsons aren’t sure exactly how many seeds will successfully germinate, but they’re eager to see how many trees they can help grow. Their Wollemi pine’s discovery has sparked a wave of interest, and they’re hopeful for the future.
Visit the ‘Money Tree’ in Person
If you’re in the area, Pamela and Alistair will open their garden to the public on Sunday, August 24, as part of the National Garden Scheme. It’s a rare chance to see this “money tree” in real life and learn more about the incredible journey of the Wollemi pine.
