The "Arbre de l’authenticité" 

The arbre de l'authenticité  is a spectacular towering tree in Yangambi, a UNESCO biosphere reserve in DR Congo where scientists from the Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) are collaborating with Congolese partners to research climate impact on carbon storage in rainforests. For decades, this tree has attracted the attention of many visitors to Yangambi.

The arbre de l'authenticité  belongs to the botanical species Pachyelasma Tessmannii. It is known as a 'paradoxical species': though its wood is heavy (high levels of carbon by volume), it grows at a fast rate, which is ideal for capturing carbon dioxide. RMCA scientists have therefore planted experimental plots with the aim of storing carbon and therefore stabilising the Earth's climate.  

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