Recent analysis from New York University redefines these species as "grassy trees," organisms that blend tree-like canopies with grass-like adaptability. This hybrid nature provides superior capability to withstand and recover from extreme weather events, such as fires and storms. According to lead researcher Aiyu Zheng, grassy trees support carbon capture, facilitate landscape restoration, bolster biodiversity, and provide substantial benefits for local communities, including jobs, food, renewable materials, and green energy.
Extending these insights, NYU scientists assessed carbon dynamics across twelve ecosystem types - forests, savannas, grasslands, croplands, and grassy-tree systems like bamboo forests and palm/banana plantations. The study found grassy-tree ecosystems generally possess higher productivity than conventional tree or grass systems, and their carbon storage capacity sits between that of trees and grasses.
Community-driven success stories reinforce grassy trees' versatility: In South America, moriche palms preserve wetland biodiversity while supplying oil and fruit. Ethiopian lowland bamboo regenerates soils and drives green industry growth. In Southeast Asia, banana plants boost gardens' diversity, enhancing food security and rural incomes.
The research highlights strategic regions based on UN FAO data, pointing to over thirty countries where bamboo or palm resources can support climate and community goals. The establishment of a standard assessment framework is set to improve mapping and measurement of grassy-tree benefits, from carbon stocks to income generation.
Aiyu Zheng notes that recognizing grassy trees as a special category will foster future studies on their ecological and societal roles.
Research Report:Grassy trees: the neglected hybrids for sustainability
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