East Africa continues to reveal incredible natural wonders. Deep in the misty Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania, scientists have found a towering new species of rainforest tree that may have stood for 3,000 years.
This amazing discovery was made by botanist Andrea Bianchi, along with local plant experts Aloyce Mwakisoma and Ruben Mwakisoma. While exploring the Boma la Mzinga and Uluti Village Land Forest Reserves, they came across these massive trees. Named Tessmannia princeps, meaning “most eminent,” they rise 40 meters high, with large roots and broad canopies that break through the dense forest. Some individuals have trunks up to 2.7 meters in diameter, with a slow growth rate of about 1 centimeter every 15 years, making their immense age even more remarkable.
For those fascinated by East Africa’s wildlife and landscapes, these ancient trees are a remarkable find. They have witnessed centuries of change, standing strong through shifting seasons and evolving ecosystems.
However, this discovery comes with concern. Only about 100 mature trees have been found, making them extremely rare. Their limited numbers highlight the need to protect the forests where they grow. The Udzungwa Mountains, part of the Eastern Arc Mountain range, are known for their rich biodiversity, home to many rare and endemic species, making conservation efforts even more critical.
Thankfully, efforts to restore these forests are already underway, proving how important conservation is—not just for saving known species, but also for uncovering hidden ones. As Arafat Mtui, a conservationist from the Udzungwa Ecological Monitoring Center, points out, findings like this show why protecting nature is so crucial.
This discovery is both exciting and urgent. East Africa’s forests still hold many secrets, but it’s up to us to ensure these ancient trees continue to stand for generations to come.
Original Article: Read more about this discovery on Mongabay: “3,000 year-old’ trees in Tanzania are new species”
