Watch: The art of botanical illustration
The Garden’s first Norfolk Island pine, known as the Wishing Tree, was planted at the request of Mrs Macquarie, wife of Governor Macquarie, in 1818. Following the species' introduction during the earliest days of the colony, it has since become a living staple of Sydney’s skyline.
Join botanical artist Angela Lober as she skilfully captures this landmark tree on paper with a keen eye for detail and a steady hand.
I've enjoyed the challenge of painting the Norfolk Island pine. It's been labour intensive... but I think, I hope, that I have captured the personality of my specimen. They do come across as really strong, dominating, loud, gregarious sort of plants. I'm quite fond of him now.
Angela Lober, 2015
Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island pine) by Angela Lober, 2015. © Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
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Watch: The art of botanical illustration
The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney is home to a fascinating array of significant Australian native and exotic species. One of the most iconic and recognisable is the towering Norfolk Island pine.