The African continent boasts of its highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, which is a popular destination for scientists and adventurers alike. The journey to the top of the mountain is an exciting one as the climate and landscape steadily transform from the foothills. The mountain is also home to unique plant species that are rarely found in other areas.
One of the most remarkable plants is the enormous Kilimanjaro grass (Dendrosenecio kilimanjari), which originated around a million years ago and resembles a combination of a cactus, burnt material, and pineapple.
The Dendrosenecio kilimanjari is a unique tree species that can only be found on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. It thrives in harsh conditions, surviving at an altitude of 14,000-16,000 feet (4300-5000 meters) where temperatures can drop below zero degrees Celsius. Despite its slow growth rate, these trees can eventually grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) tall.
Located in Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is a volcano that has been dormant for centuries. It stands tall as the highest mountain on the African continent and the highest independent mountain in the world, towering at 5895 meters above sea level. The mountain is situated within Kilimanjaro National Park and is known worldwide as a popular spot for climbing. In the late 19th century, European explorers were astonished by the peculiar groves they stumbled upon as they walked through the dense forest surrounding the mountain. One such discovery was the Deprosopceio kilimanjari tree, which was first identified by HH Johnston in 1884. These trees can grow up to 10 meters tall and have a woody trunk that can reach a diameter of 40 centimeters. With large asterisk leaves on top, these trees branch out after flowering and over time can grow into giant candle-like structures with up to 80 branches on mature trees.
Kilimanjaro, being Africa’s highest mountain, has a unique climate that has given rise to various rare plant species that are not found elsewhere on the planet. One of the most notable among them is the exotic Dehydrosepcio Kilimanjari which appears as a blend between a cactus and a pineapple. Despite its appearance, it is considered a flowering plant that falls under the daisy family.
This unusual plant is a member of the dandelion family, and according to scientists, it is believed to have stemmed from a common plant around 1 million years ago. There is a possibility that these plants were initially underground but eventually their seeds were carried up to high mountains over time, leading to the emergence of a new species.
The tall tree can reach up to 10 meters in height and has a sturdy trunk measuring about 40 cm in diameter. Its top is adorned with large, asterisk-shaped leaves. After flowering, the stems of the tree branch out and gradually grow into shapes resembling giant candles. In order to thrive in the frigid temperatures of the alpine terrain, plants have adapted by storing water in their stems and leaves, which they can then fold when the temperature drops.
Approximately three million years ago, Mount Kilimanjaro began its formation, and it experienced significant eruptions about 350,000 years ago. This extended period gave rise to distinct species that are exclusive to this isolated mountain.
The Deodrosepecio forest located near the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is an extraordinary forest that stands out from the rest. Its stunning scenery is filled with peculiar-looking plants such as giant trees and poplars that resemble those from another planet.
