Scientists highlight ‘grassy trees’ as overlooked allies in climate mitigation

A new study by New York University scientists has identified bamboo, palms, and banana plants as a distinct ecological category—“grassy trees”—that could play a key role in addressing climate change. The analysis, published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution, argues that these species bridge the gap between trees and grasses, combining rapid growth and resilience with the capacity to store carbon and support biodiversity.

“Bamboo, palms, and bananas, which don’t fit neatly as trees or grasses, are actually a powerful group of plants we call ‘grassy trees,’” said lead author Aiyu Zheng of NYU’s Department of Environmental Studies. “Their hybrid nature—tall structures of trees with the quick recovery of grasses—makes them strong allies in responding to climate change.”

The researchers found that ecosystems dominated by these species—such as bamboo forests and palm or banana plantations—tend to grow faster than tree- or grass-based systems, while storing intermediate levels of carbon. They are also more adaptable to extreme weather, recovering quickly after fires, storms, or harvesting.

The study compiled data across 12 types of ecosystems ranging from forests and savannas to croplands and bamboo stands. It concluded that “grassy trees” occupy a unique ecological niche that has been largely absent from current carbon and biodiversity frameworks.

Senior author Mingzhen Lu said the findings highlight the importance of including these species in nature-based climate strategies. “Our study provides the first global overview of how much carbon grassy trees capture and store, showing that they are abundant, practical, and deeply embedded in tropical cultures,” Lu noted.

The paper outlines examples of how local communities are already benefiting from such plants: moriche palms in South America sustain wetlands and provide fruit and oil; lowland bamboo in Ethiopia restores degraded soils while supporting a growing green industry; and banana groves in Southeast Asia enhance food security and rural incomes.

Researchers also identified high-opportunity regions for “grassy tree” cultivation based on UN Food and Agriculture Organization data from over 30 countries with extensive bamboo or palm resources.

According to Zheng, the study provides a framework for governments and communities to better plan sustainable land use and carbon management. “By acknowledging grassy trees as a unique form of growth, we’ve set the stage for future research that will better illuminate their ecological and social value,” she said.

The study, Grassy Trees: The Neglected Hybrids for Sustainability, was published on October 24, 2025, in Trends in Ecology & Evolution.