Stefan Eberhard, King Billy and Pandani (PLACES 2026)

King Billy Pine is a rare and ancient tree growing only in the mountain ranges of western Tasmania. The pandani is the world's tallest heath plant and a distinctive element in Tasmania’s alpine areas and wet forests. Both species are relics of Gondwana and have survived for millennia in Tasmania’s moist cool temperate refugia. King Billy Pines are very slow growing and easily killed by wildfires, with many ancient stands lost to fires. The distinctive growth form with the large curving limbs may be an adaptation to withstanding heavy snow fall. This composition caught my eye with the pandani nestled safely under the protective limbs of the King Billy.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.