Architecture of the Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis, Araucariaceae), a Unique Combination of Model and Reiteration

Abstract

The Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis W.G. Jones, K.D. Hill & J.M. Allen) is shown to possess a unique architecture. The model is notdescribed by any of the 23 basic models previously described (Bell 1991), butcan be described by a modified Cook model whereby growth is rhythmic ratherthan continuous. This differs from all other extant members of Araucariaceae,which conform to the models of either Rauh or Massart. The branching andcoppicing habits can both be interpreted as adaptive reiterations. Both thearchitectural model and the two types of adaptive reiteration are advanced orautapomorphic conditions in the Wollemi pine.