Discovery of a new type of wood that captures carbon like no other

A new type of wood is challenging our understanding of trees. The tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) may significantly contribute to carbon management thanks to its wood, which is neither hard nor soft.

The discovery, named "midwood," offers a way to improve CO₂ capture from the atmosphere. How could this wood change the game?


Researchers from the University of Cambridge, equipped with advanced technology, examined 33 tree species at the nanometric level. This analysis revealed unexpected structures in the tulip tree.

The wood of this tree exhibits "macrofibrils" with an intermediate diameter of 22 nanometers. These fibers are key to the structure of the wood and influence its ability to store carbon. In comparison, hardwood like oak has smaller macrofibrils (16 nm) while softwood like pine has larger fibers (28 nm). These differences could explain their varied capacities to store CO₂.

The tulip tree, with its unique structure, belongs to an ancient lineage dating back 30 to 50 million years. This period coincides with a significant drop in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Scientists suspect that these trees evolved to capture CO₂ more efficiently. Indeed, forests dominated by this species are observed to store 2 to 6 times more carbon than others.

This "midwood" could potentially become a key element in reforestation and planting strategies aimed at combating climate change. The question remains whether other trees share this structure. Tulip tree plantations in East Asia are already capitalizing on these unique properties. The next step will be to understand how other species could benefit from this discovery.

What is a macrofibril?

A macrofibril is a fibrous structure found in the cell walls of plants, composed primarily of cellulose. This cellulose is a natural polymer that gives plants rigidity and strength, allowing trees to stand upright and grow taller.

Macrofibrils play an essential role in trees' ability to store carbon. Their organization in the wood affects the amount of carbon dioxide that plant cells can store. In woods like "midwood," the intermediate size of the macrofibrils optimizes this capture capacity.