In a groundbreaking discovery, botanists have identified a towering, ancient species of tree in Tanzania’s Udzungwa Mountains. Known as Tessmannia princeps, these giants stand at heights of up to 131 feet and are estimated to be between 2,000 and 3,000 years old. The research team, led by Andrea Bianchi, a horticulturist at the Muse Science Museum in Trento, documented the species with the help of local plant experts. Their findings were published in Phytotaxa, revealing a species unlike any previously known to science.
The Discovery of Tessmannia Princeps
In 2019, Bianchi and his team were conducting plant mapping in the Boma la Mzinga and Uluti Village Land Forest Reserves when they stumbled upon an unfamiliar tree. The discovery was made during an initial survey of the Udzungwa Mountains, an area known for its remote and biodiverse ecosystems. The tree they encountered, with its unusual gray bark, immediately raised questions about its origins and classification.
“This was already quite a shiver‑down‑your‑back moment because if they didn’t know [the species], it could have been something interesting,” Bianchi recalls. This moment marked the beginning of what would soon become an extraordinary journey into the discovery of a previously unknown tree species.
Further surveys in the region revealed that the tree was not an isolated anomaly but part of a small grove of trees. These giants, which form part of a highly localized population, have been named Tessmannia princeps. Their name, “princeps,” reflects their towering stature, with crowns that rise high above the surrounding forest canopy, commanding attention across the landscape.
Age and Size: A Glimpse into Ancient Forests
The newly identified Tessmannia princeps trees are among the oldest living organisms on Earth, with the largest trees reaching an astonishing height of 131 feet. Their trunks, which can span almost nine feet across, are reinforced with buttress roots that stretch up to three feet deep into the soil. These adaptations help the tree maintain its towering form in the nutrient-poor, shallow rainforest soil.
The age of these trees is equally impressive. Researchers estimate that the oldest Tessmannia princeps trees are between 2,000 and 3,000 years old, based on the study of growth rings found in a naturally fallen tree. Bianchi describes counting these rings as “patient work that feels like peering back through the lifetimes of civilizations,” a statement he shared while discussing the discovery with colleagues. This slow growth rate is characteristic of the tree’s long lifespan, similar to other ancient species like bristlecone pines and giant sequoias.
The Anatomy and Ecology of Tessmannia Princeps
The Tessmannia princeps is classified as a canopy emergent species, meaning that its crown stands above the general forest canopy, where it is exposed to full sunlight. This allows it to capture the maximum amount of energy and play a significant role in shaping the microclimates of the forest below. The tree’s crown is particularly striking, with glossy leaves and numerous leaflet pairs that are essential for photosynthesis.
One of the most notable features of the tree is its buttress roots, which fan out dramatically from the base of the trunk. Some of these roots arch as high as 49 feet, which helps the tree resist mechanical stress caused by the weight of its enormous canopy. The roots also stabilize the shallow rainforest soil, preventing erosion and contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.
Despite its enormous size, the Tessmannia princeps does not rely on physical defenses like thorns or spines. Instead, it has developed chemical defenses, although much of its biochemical properties remain unstudied. The tree produces creamy white flowers tipped with yellow glands that emit a distinct fragrance. These flowers are not only a critical part of the tree’s reproductive strategy but are also easily detectable by local guides long before the trunk comes into view.
Habitat and Conservation Status
The Tessmannia princeps trees are found within the Eastern Arc Mountains, a range famous for its biodiversity and endemism due to its rugged terrain and stable climate. The trees grow at elevations ranging from 4,200 to 5,000 feet, making them isolated from nearby cultivated areas and human settlements. This remote location has helped protect the species from logging and poaching, particularly after the region was granted legal protection in 2016.
However, the Tessmannia princeps is not without its threats. The species is classified as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to its limited range and small population. Fewer than 1,000 individuals of this species are estimated to exist, and although logging is banned in the reserves, nearby activities such as farming, hunting, and road construction pose indirect threats. Soil compaction, fire risks, and habitat degradation could threaten the delicate balance of this ancient ecosystem.
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