An ancient tree species that existed before dinosaurs roamed the earth has found a new home at the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens following a complex relocation effort north of Gin Gin.
The rare Cycas megacarpa was uncovered during planned road widening works and, due to its endangered status, was carefully salvaged and transported to the botanic gardens in October 2025.
Estimated to be more than 100 years old, the slow-growing cycad has now been established in the dry rainforest section of the gardens where it is beginning to recover after the move.
The relocation required specialist care to ensure the ancient specimen survived the journey.
Crews excavated a trench around the tree and removed a large amount of surrounding soil material to protect the root system during transportation.
Constant maintenance and care has since been undertaken by Council staff to ensure the plant survives and continues to establish itself in its new environment.
Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn said the relocation was an important conservation outcome.
“This is an incredibly significant species and Council is proud to have been able to preserve it for future generations,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Relocating a tree of this age and rarity was a delicate operation, but thanks to the expertise of our crews and arboriculture team, the tree has now stabilised and is beginning to adapt to its new home.”
Mayor Blackburn said while the specimen had experienced some transplant shock following the relocation, it was now showing positive signs of recovery.
“While the tree initially lost many of its leaves, we are already seeing encouraging signs of recovery and growth,” he said.
“We hope visitors to the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens will be able to enjoy this remarkable living piece of history for another 100 years.”
More ancient species at Bundaberg Botanic Gardens
The Cycas megacarpa is not the only ancient species at the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens.
In 2023, conservation efforts expanded to incorporate rare and scarcely seen varieties of cycads with a history spanning 300 million years.
A whole new cycad garden was introduced, adding a new dimension to the serene surroundings.
Read more here.
