Small descendants from the tree that gave its name to one of the significant battle sites on Gallipoli Peninsula, Lone Pine, will be planted around the country to mark the Anzac centenary.
A young Gallipoli pine Photo: Scion
Scion, the forestry research institute, propagated about 50 seedlings from a Turkish red pine growing at the Paeroa Golf Course.
That tree has been traced back to the Lone Pine at Gallipoli.
Scion spokesperson Christl McMillan said RSAs from around the country will plant the trees as part of their Anzac Day commemoration ceremonies and the National Army Museum in Waiouru will also plant one too.
"There's a bit of a story as to how they came to New Zealand so the seeds were collected by an Australian solider who bought them back to Australia. The seeds from that tree made their way to New Zealand and one was planted at Paeroa, the tree has been genetically tested so we can say it's an authentic descendent."
Christchurch City Council is to plant a tree descended from the Lone Pine at Gallipoli. Photo: Wikicommons
