The Oldest Living Tasmanian: The Huon Pine

The story of Australia's most prized tree, the Huon Pine, and the many worlds that surround it. Over 3000 years ago, before the birth of Christianity, a seedling took root in the dark leech-ridden forests of Tasmania. Today, that seedling is an almost fully grown member of one of the world's longest living species - the Huon Pine. Its rare wood is favoured by artists and fine furniture makers, and its lightness, strength and close grain make it the "holy rail" of boat-building. Yet the real story of the Huon Pine is of the role it played in the development of this island outpost on the edge of the world and the early "piners" it enticed into the pristine wilderness in search of its valuable timber.