Friday, November 29, 2002. Posted: 10:02:12 (AEDT)

An ancient cousin of the macadamia tree which has gained international notoriety has been propagated and will be planted for the first time in the state at a small garden on the New South Wales north coast.

The little seedling is to have round the clock security.

It is claimed this rare and endangered tree has more historical and botanical significance than the wollemi pine, with a total of only 15 trees so far found in a volcanic crater on the state's far north coast.

Last month it was the focus of a French film crew who flew to Australia to document its discovery and attempted propagation.

That has been the tricky part for botanists as growing the tree from its nut has been painfully slow.

But finally a seedling of the Nightcap Oak has been struck and today will be planted at Coffs Harbour's Botanic Gardens.

The gardens' Ron Powell says they will be giving the little plant the best possible future.

"It'll be protected in a steel cage, a heavy strong steel cage, and as well as the cage there'll be security."

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2002

Answers

The strong steel cage is to protect it from the security in case they fall asleep and fall on it.

-- Anonymous, November 29, 2002