A retired couple’s rare prehistoric tree has produced seeds for the first time ever, worth more than $6,716.
Pamela and Alistair Thompson, both 75, bought a Wollemi pine for just $94 in 2010 as a sapling after discovering that dinosaurs used to snack on its fruit.
They planted it in their garden in Wichenford, Worcs., and this week it produced seeds for the first time, which are worth up to $13 each.
If each cone produces hundreds of seeds, the couple could rake in tens of thousands of dollars in the coming years.
Retired spinal surgeon Alistair said: “It really does prove that money can grow on trees!”
Wollemi pines – dubbed dinosaur trees – date back more than 90 million years and were thought to have died out with T. rex.
But a cluster of the prehistoric conifers was discovered in 1994, 125 miles west of Sydney, Australia.
Saplings and cuttings were sold off around the world, and one was replanted by Pamela and Alistair.
The couple paid $94 for an 18-inch tall sapling, which a friend had bought off the Shopping Channel.
They planted it in their garden, and after years of loving care, it now stands more than 13ft tall.
Retired police officer Pamela, 75, was stunned to discover the rare tree bearing fruit for the first time ever in April.
This week, she discovered five large cones had produced approximately 100 seeds each, with more still to flower.
She now hopes the seeds will be planted around the UK to protect the endangered species.
Pamela said: “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, early September
“This year has been so unusually dry; it happened earlier.
“A few days ago, I reached up to a female cone and the seeds all cascaded into my cupped hands as I touched it.
“It was very exciting actually collecting the seeds from such an ancient tree that lived when dinosaurs roamed – I shall definitely try to germinate seeds from a critically endangered tree.
“We have around five large cones which have produced about a hundred or so large seeds each.
“Some of the other cones are smaller, about the size of a golf ball each, which I am not sure will produce seeds this year, but could well do next year.
“It would be lovely to see just how many seeds we can produce, but I have been very surprised by the numbers so far this year.”
The couple, who have three grandchildren, hope to raise thousands for charity by selling the seeds in small packs.
Pamela added: “I saw a small tree for sale for more than $1,343, which shows just how rare they are.
“We are planning to package the seeds into bundles of five or six and sell them online for $7, so around $1 per seed,” Pamela said.
“We’ve seen some online retailers sell them for much more than that, but we would want to make them accessible for people as well as raise money for charity.
“We don’t yet know how many seeds would be healthy and produce trees; only time will tell.”
Wollemi pines are related to monkey puzzle trees and bear both male and female fruit.
The couple is opening their garden to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme this Sunday (24/8).
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