I've always appreciated the many Norfolk Pines in the suburb of Mindarie but it took a recent trip to Norfolk Island to appreciate just how majestic these beautiful trees are.
We learnt many facts about Norfolk Pines while on the island.
- The first known European sighting of the tree was by Captain James Cook (and crew!) when they first discovered the island back in 1774. He noted the tall straight trunks and thought they would make great masts for their sailing ships. In reality they are not strong enough and have too many knots to use for this purpose.
- The pine cones which take about 18 months to mature then disintegrate releasing nut-like edible seeds.
- From memory (believe our guide at your own risk!) - they are the only pine tree capable of living in a coastal environment. What is undisputed is their resilience to a salty and windy environment.
- I think our best fact picked up on the island is that once they get to about 60 years old they begin to droop. So it's not just something that happens to us humans at this time. Check out Perth's Norfolk Pines and see if you can spot some elderly ones when out and about.
Dem Norf’k sullen bin tull deye es wun cache yorlye cum aata orn.
You are looking for a bison with just a log.