These Fruit Trees Turn CO₂ Into Stone – And Might Just Save the Planet

Education, Research & Positions
Dr AF Saeed
8th July 2025
0
2 minutes read

In a surprising twist of nature, certain fig trees in Kenya are doing more than just bearing fruit—they’re capturing carbon dioxide from the air and turning it into stone. Scientists discovered these trees can form limestone-like deposits in their trunks and surrounding soil, locking carbon away in a highly durable form. This little-known carbon pathway, […]

Summary

Kenyan fig trees are unexpectedly fighting climate change by petrifying carbon dioxide. Scientists discovered that these trees create limestone-like deposits in their trunks and surrounding soil, effectively turning atmospheric CO2 into stone. This natural process permanently locks away carbon, offering a novel, bio-based approach to carbon sequestration. The study highlights the untapped potential of natural ecosystems in mitigating climate change. More research is needed to understand and potentially replicate this carbon-capture phenomenon in other tree species and regions.