Ancient 3000-Year-Old Trees Discovered in Tanzania's Remote Mountains

Scientists have uncovered a remarkable population of ancient trees in Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains, marking a significant botanical discovery. These trees, classified as Tessmannia princeps, are estimated to be up to 3,000 years old and reach heights of approximately 130 feet, with some having diameters nearing nine feet. Found exclusively in two steep valleys above 4,200 feet elevation, their limited distribution makes them highly susceptible to environmental threats. The discovery was made in 2019 during an expedition led by Italian horticulturist Andrea Bianchi and Tanzanian researchers, aiming to catalog regional plant species. The trees' exceptionally slow growth rate, evidenced by growth ring analysis, suggests their ancient origins, placing them among the oldest living organisms comparable to North American giant sequoias. These trees serve as canopy-emergent species, towering above the surrounding forest and creating unique microclimates beneath their crowns. Their fragrant foliage and flowers attract pollinators, and their robust chemical defenses help protect them from threats. Currently, conservationists emphasize the urgency of safeguarding these specimens, as fewer ...