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.
