Now in a new format, this is a brilliant debut by a wonderful popular science writer. James Woodford, the Sydney Morning Herald's award-winning science writer, has written an enthralling detective story about evolution and natural history, the freak survival of a species that offers a window into an ecosystem 100 million years old.The Wollemi Pine is the story of this discovery, and of the tree that became an overnight celebrity. Woodford's fascinating account is a detective story, a scientific mystery, and a timely reminder of the importance of maintaining biological diversity on our planet.Discovery of the Wollemi pine has revealed new sources of anti-cancer chemicals, and other micro-organisms with important medical applications.