An article by researchers from Jagiellonian University in Poland and the University of Cambridge in the UK highlights the high potential of a tree species for carbon capture. According to the Terra portal, the researchers made the discovery by examining the microscopic structure of Tulip Tree wood (Liriodendron tulipifera and Liriodendron chinense).

“The study found that tulip trees, which are relatives of magnolias and can grow over 30 meters tall, have a unique type of wood that does not fit into either the hardwood or softwood categories,” says a statement published in the scientific journal EurekAlert.

According to scientist Jan Łyczakowski, the lead author of the research, Liriodendrons have an intermediate structure that is significantly different from the structure of softwood or hardwood.

“Some East Asian countries are already using Liriodendron plantations to efficiently retain carbon, and we now believe this may be related to their wood structure,” said the scientist.