Wollemi Pine Release in the US

I am trying to decide whether I can bear to spend $100 for a Wollemi Pine that will almost certainly perish in zone 5/6. I'm thinking that...yes, yes, yes, I can bear it!

From the e-mail Newsletter:

The Wollemi Pine will be released in the US this October as part of a special offer by National Geographic with proceeds from sales to fund National Geographic mission programs, including support for botanical research and studies.

The eagerly anticipated release is scheduled to be announced on September 19 at National Geographic’s headquarters in Washington, DC and celebrated with a planting of a Wollemi Pine on the company grounds on September 22.

Prior to this exciting public announcement, Wollemi Pine Conservation Club Members will be given the chance to order in advance of the official release date. Only a limited supply of the coveted “dinosaur pine” will be available in this initial release, and it is expected to generate widespread demand.

The Pines will retail at $99.95 for an approximately 10” tall plant and will be available via the National Geographic Holiday Catalog (888-225-5647) and at the National Geographic online shop from November 15, 2006.

Link: Wollemi Pine Preorder.