&i;`This welcome book lifts the secrecy still surrounding the Wollemi Pine, rightly or wrongly induced by fears for the survival of its 40-odd wild individuals (except that it does not reveal the locality). The author has suceeded in showing that there are charismatic plants in peril of extinction that are just as interesting and exciting as some of the furry animals which usually steal the show.'&o; Aljos Farjon, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.