Prepare to be captivated by the story of Oxford's black pine, a tree that has left an indelible mark on literary history and now has a royal connection!
For over 200 years, a majestic black pine stood tall in the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, capturing the hearts of many. JRR Tolkien, the renowned author, found solace beneath its shade, and Philip Pullman immortalized it in his beloved His Dark Materials trilogy. But tragedy struck in 2014 when the tree met its end, leaving a void in the garden and the hearts of its admirers.
Enter Professor Simon Hiscock, the director of the botanic garden and arboretum, who shares the tale of this iconic tree and the hope that springs from its legacy. The Oxford black pine, known scientifically as Pinus negra, is a species native to central and Eastern Europe and western Asia. Its origin story is shrouded in mystery, with speculation ranging from a collecting trip to the expertise of a prolific nursery grower or even an experiment by the renowned Oxford botanist Charles Daubeny.
Professor Hiscock describes black pines as nothing short of magnificent, capable of reaching awe-inspiring heights. "They branch out multiple times from a low trunk, creating an incredible upward display of arms that are their branches," he explains. The black pine in the botanic garden was the largest tree at the time of its demise, a loss that inspired deep affection and a sense of wonder.
"It became a favorite of JRR Tolkien, who visited the garden regularly and would sit beneath the tree," Professor Hiscock says. "There are some truly iconic photographs of him with his beloved tree."
But here's where it gets controversial... The tree's age was initially believed to be from 1799, but further examination revealed a later planting, likely in the mid-1830s. This discrepancy raises questions about the tree's true history and its connection to Tolkien's visits.
And this is the part most people miss... The garden's Black Pine Collection features unique wooden products, including writing materials and cufflinks, crafted from the wood of the original tree. These items sparked a flood of interest, especially among members of the Tolkien Society, who cherish the connection to their literary hero.
By the time Professor Hiscock assumed his role in July 2015, the tree had already fallen, but its legacy lived on. "My understanding is that it split in two due to the weight of its branched stems, which had grown so tall and heavy that it suddenly gave way," he explains.
But the story doesn't end there. On June 8, 2021, King Charles III planted a new black pine sapling, grown from a seed collected from the original tree, to celebrate the garden's 400th anniversary. Professor Hiscock shares, "He was incredibly interested in learning about various trees and plants. I've written to him several times since and met him a couple of times, and he's always eager to know how his tree is doing."
The young tree now stands a few feet from where the original once grew, offering a magnificent view of the Great Tower of Magdalen College. It's part of the Literary Garden, a section dedicated to plants associated with English literature and Oxford's renowned authors, poets, and writers.
"It's about 20 feet tall now and growing very, very quickly. It's currently in its juvenile phase, resembling a large Christmas tree. But as it continues to develop and branch out, it will truly come into its own in about 100 years," Professor Hiscock adds.
So, what do you think? Is this a heartwarming tale of literary inspiration and royal conservation, or does it raise questions about the true nature of the Oxford black pine's legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
