The Amazon rainforest is a vast biome where the dense canopy often hides the true scale of its botanical life. Because much of this region remains largely unexplored, identifying its absolute tallest inhabitants has been a recent scientific achievement. The sheer size of the Amazon basin suggests many record-breaking specimens still grow in remote corners. Scientists are now using modern technology to identify the giants that dominate the forest’s structure, highlighting the unexplored nature of the world’s largest rainforest ecosystem.
Identifying the Tallest Tree
The tallest known tree in the Amazon rainforest is a specimen of Dinizia excelsa, commonly known as Angelim vermelho. This tree was confirmed to stand at 88.5 meters, significantly exceeding the Amazon’s average canopy height of 40 to 50 meters. The Angelim vermelho was discovered in the remote Iratapuru River Nature Reserve, located along the Jari River on the border between the Brazilian states of Pará and Amapá.
The Dinizia excelsa is known for its straight trunk and dense, high-reaching crown. While the species typically grows to about 60 meters, this individual and a cluster of others have reached extraordinary proportions. The tallest specimen also has an impressive circumference of 9.9 meters. This species is prized for its strong, durable wood, which makes it a target for illegal logging, despite its protected location.
The Challenging Process of Discovery
The initial identification of this giant tree was made possible through advanced remote sensing technology. Researchers first detected the unusually tall structure by analyzing aerial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data collected between 2016 and 2018. LiDAR uses a laser scanner mounted on an aircraft to create detailed three-dimensional maps of the forest canopy, revealing heights that ground teams could not easily measure.
The LiDAR scans identified a cluster of trees over 80 meters tall in the Jari River region, registering the record 88.5-meter height. Confirming this finding required a grueling physical expedition into the dense, roadless jungle. The first attempt in 2019 failed after a 10-day trek due to difficult terrain, low supplies, and a team member falling ill, forcing the group to turn back.
A successful expedition finally reached the tree in September 2022 after three years of planning and multiple attempts. The journey involved traveling 250 kilometers by boat up rivers with treacherous rapids, followed by a demanding 20-kilometer hike. Once the team reached the site, they confirmed the tree’s dimensions and collected samples, a process that often involves specialized climbers scaling the trunk using ropes.
Significance of the Giant
These towering Dinizia excelsa trees hold immense ecological significance, particularly in their role in the global carbon cycle. Due to their massive size, a single giant tree can sequester and store a tremendous amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Researchers estimate that one of these specimens may store as much carbon as an entire hectare of average rainforest.
The sheer scale of these trees means they also have a disproportionate impact on the local ecosystem, influencing the forest structure and creating unique microhabitats. They are believed to be exceptionally old, with current estimates suggesting they are between 400 and 600 years of age. Their great height allows them to breach the main canopy layer, offering structural advantages in the rainforest environment.
The discovery of these giants underscores the importance of protecting the Amazon’s remaining primary forests, as they represent irreplaceable carbon sinks and reservoirs of biodiversity. The region where they were found is vulnerable to threats like illegal mining and logging, which targets the Angelim vermelho for its valuable timber. Efforts to legally protect these giant trees have gained momentum, recognizing their ecological value.