Question

To support the ecosystem in the previous question, botanical gardens are propagating these trees for sale. Although seeds have been collected, the commercially available plants are from cuttings and tissue culture. Based on the life cycle of conifers, why is it not practical to reproduce Wollemi pines from seed or even to sell the seeds?

Answer 1

Wollemi pines cannot be reproduced from seeds or sold commercially due to their long maturation time, specific germination requirements, and the potential harm to the population and ecosystem. Botanical gardens propagate these trees using cuttings and tissue culture.

Step-by-step explanation:

Wollemi pines are conifers, which reproduce through seeds. However, it is not practical to reproduce them from seeds or sell the seeds commercially. This is because the seeds take a long time to mature and require specific conditions to germinate. Additionally, collecting seeds from the wild can harm the population and the ecosystem. To propagate Wollemi pines, botanical gardens use cuttings and tissue culture, which provide a more reliable and efficient way to reproduce the trees.

Answer 2

A tree that possesses scale or needle-like leaves and cones that remains green throughout the year is known as a conifer. Some of the examples of conifers are cedars, junipers, redwoods, pines, etc. These trees have great economic importance as they are the prime sources of turpentine and resins, and are also a great source of softwood.

It is not practical to cultivate the Wollemi pines from their seeds, as the majority of the seeds that fall from the cones of Wollemi are not viable, and their cultivation may even consume many months. The species mentioned is also considered as endangered, therefore, it will not be feasible to cultivate them via the help of seeds.