On Friday 28 September 2018, the ACT Chief Minister, Mr Andrew Barr MLA, joined the Honourable Bill Hayden AC, Governor General of Australia 1989 to 1996 and former leader of the Labour Party, and Mrs Dallas Hayden, to plant a yew plum pine, Podocarpus macrophyllus, in the Central Valley at the National Arboretum Canberra.
Podocarpus macrophyllus, the yew plum pine, is a conifer native to southern Japan and southern and eastern China. It is a popular ornamental and landscaping tree and is highly regarded as a bonsai.
Ceremonial trees planted from around the world
The National Arboretum Canberra is home to over 44,000 trees from more than one hundred nations. Many Australian and international leaders and public figures have planted ceremonial trees at the National Arboretum, including Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwell.
Through ceremonial tree plantings and other special events, the National Arboretum Canberra builds partnerships with local, national and international organisations, individuals and communities to further its role in global tree conservation and research.