Giant palm tree that dies when it flowers baffles botanists

Botanists have discovered a new species of giant self-destructing palm in Madagascar which is so large that it can be seen in satellite photos.

The tree, which only exists in the remote north-west of the island, is unlike anything else ever found on the island before.

Although villagers knew of its existence, none had seen it flower.



When this finally happened last year, botanists found that the tree spent so much energy flowering that it died.

The palm is 20m (60ft) high with leaves 5m (16ft) long, the tallest tree of its type in the country; but for most of its life - around 100 years - it appears fairly unremarkable apart from its size.

The tree has been named Tahina spectabilis, which is Malagasy for "blessed" or "to be protected".