Measuring an almighty 81.5m in height, Africa’s tallest tree has been discovered in a perhaps unlikely location: on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The finding is especially unlikely as Africa has few trees with heights over 80m; a striking lack of giant trees unlike those found in many other places all over the world.
My Quick Takeaways:
In 2016, researchers discovered Africa's tallest tree on Mount Kilimanjaro. Here's what you should know:
- Record-Breaking Height: The tree, identified as Entandrophragma excelsum, measures an impressive 81.5 metres, making it the tallest known tree on the African continent.
- Age and Rarity: This species is extremely rare, with some individuals estimated to be over 600 years old.
- Unique Habitat: Typically found in upland semi-deciduous forests, these trees thrive in Kilimanjaro's rich volcanic soils, warm temperatures, and high precipitation levels.
- Conservation Concerns: Due to threats like illegal logging, scientists have advocated for the inclusion of these valleys within Kilimanjaro National Park to ensure their protection.
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As Kilimanjaro is the continent’s tallest mountain, it appears that the tallest tree could not actually be in a more appropriate location.
The tree is of the Entandrophragma Excelsum species and since the discovery, scientists have urged for the protection of the valleys in which it was found.
This is due to the fact that the species of tree – often including those that are more than 600 years old – is extremely rare and usually found upland in semi-deciduous forests.
Africa's tallest tree discovered on Mount Kilimanjaro.
How the tallest tree in Africa came to be
Large trees are a vital part of Kilimanjaro’s vibrant ecosystem as they provide shelter for ferns and a number of other plants that grow on them for physical support.
The trees in the valley where the tallest tree in Africa was found are nurtured by rich volcanic soils, soaring temperatures and above average levels of precipitation. This combination pushes them towards reaching the heights they do.
It was twenty years ago when researchers first realised the sheer size of some of the valley’s trees.
Due to the aloofness of the location and the difficulty met with access, the truths about the trees were not discovered until recently.
Andreas Hemp, one of the team’s researchers, said that the trees “are like a city in the forest”.
Measures taken to protect the tallest tree in Africa
While Africa’s tallest tree is not the world’s tallest, we should all still care about the threat it faces. Illegal logging has long been a cloud hanging over their habitat.
Consequently, the research team has proposed that the valleys home to the giants should be included in the Kilimanjaro National Park for legal protection.
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My Final Thoughts
Isn't nature wonderful? Mount Kilimanjaro has many secrets still waiting for us to discover. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
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