Will The Wollemi Pine Re-Establish Itself?

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

I just read the fascinating NATIONAL GEGRAPHIC MAGAZINE story, about the discovery of the ancient species of coniferous tree, found growing in a remote ravine in Australia. Supposedly, the 100 surviving trees are all genetically identical. Does this mean that trying to re-propagate the species is doomed? The Australian government is raisng millions of seedlings, and these trees have been replanted in places around the world-yet, if the speciies is vulnerable to a parasite, does that mean the species is doomed? Cool trees-I’m going to buy one! Could this ancient species be cross-bred with an araucarian pine (to create a more vigorous hybrid?).
And, will we see forests of these trees in the future? :cool:

2

Well, it is very vulnerable.

I suppose that it depends on:
A)If there are other, undiscovered examples to cross-pollinate with, and
B) If helpful mutation occurs.