A lost giant: scientists stunned by forest discovery of towering 3,000-year-old colossus

Even in a world that feels fully mapped and documented, nature still manages to surprise. Every now and then, new inventions appear – or a previously unknown species of animal or plant is uncovered. That’s exactly what’s happened in a remote corner of Tanzania.

New giant tree found in Tazmania

A new species of tropical tree has been discovered in the Udzungwa Mountains, a lush range in the country’s southeast. Known as Tessmannia princeps, the tree can grow up to 40 meters (131 feet) tall and forms part of a dense, untouched forest. The species was first spotted in 2019 – around 100 specimens were recorded – but it has only now been officially classified.

The study, led by Italian botanist Andrea Bianchi alongside Tanzanian plant experts Aloyce Mwakisoma and Ruben Mwakisoma, estimates the trees may be between 2,000 and 3,000 years old.

The Tessmannia princeps – whose Latin name means “the most eminent” – features a tall crown supported by massive buttress roots and a pale gray bark. While it bears similarities to other Tessmannia species found in West Africa, this particular tree is unique to Tanzania. Because of its restricted range – it’s found only in two nearby valleys – and its small population of around 1,000 mature specimens, the tree is considered highly vulnerable to extinction.

Not yet certain how old it is

The team also analyzed the wood of a fallen tree, finding between 12 and 15 rings per centimeter. Typically, trees grow one ring a year, which would suggest an exceptionally advanced age. But Bianchi cautions that this method isn’t always reliable. To obtain a more precise estimate, the researchers plan to carry out radiocarbon dating on the samples.

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