A remarkable new species of palm tree has been discovered in Madagascar. The rare tree is thought to be the African island nation's largest palm species. It stands a whopping 66 feet tall and its leaves are 16 feet long. Scientists announced the find on January 17.
The tree flowers once every 100 years. When the palm blossoms, a large shoot grows out of the top. The stalk soon takes on the appearance of a Christmas tree, says botanist Mijoro Rakotoarinivo. Hundreds of flowers blanket the branches. This growth takes up so much energy that the tree eventually collapses and dies.
Madagascar is famous for its thousands of unique plant species. Even so, "This is an astonishing discovery," says botanist John Dransfield.