A group of plant scientists has discovered a rare new tree species deep in the Tanzania rainforest. The tall, wide tree was found in 2019 during a hike through protected areas in the Udzungwa Mountains, a region known for its rich wildlife and unique plant life.
A closer look at the tree
The team included researchers from science institutions in Italy and Kenya. They first noticed the tree while walking through Uluti Village and the nearby Boma la Mzinga Forest Reserves. It stood taller and broader than others around it. Its flowers had slim white petals with small yellow tips – features none of the scientists had seen before.
Curious, the team took photographs and collected leaves. After studying the samples in their lab, they confirmed it was a species never recorded before. They named the tree Tessmannia princeps, using a Latin word meaning “most eminent.” The name reflects the tree’s size and presence in the forest.
Return visit reveals ancient growth
Months later, the team returned to the area for more research. They counted around 100 of the trees growing in the wild. One tree had fallen due to natural causes, giving scientists the chance to collect pieces of its wood for testing.
What they found was surprising. Some of the trees may be as old as 3,000 years. The tests also showed that the tree grows very slowly, taking nearly 15 years to expand just one centimeter in width. This slow growth makes the tree especially vulnerable.
Protected lands help preserve rare species
The Udzungwa Mountains and the nearby Mngeta Valley are home to many rare plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Because of this, the area is protected as a national park. Cutting trees or damaging the land is not allowed.
Researchers say this protection is key to keeping Tessmannia princeps safe. Since there are so few of these trees and they grow so slowly, even small disturbances could threaten their survival. Without the national park status, these trees might face the risk of being lost forever.
A discovery that inspires conservation
The discovery of Tessmannia princeps adds to the growing list of plant species found in the Eastern Arc Mountain range. Scientists say each new find helps them better understand how forests work and why it is important to protect them.
The team’s findings were published in a scientific journal, Phytotaxa. Their work highlights not just a rare tree, but the importance of protecting nature for future generations.