Fig Trees That Turn Air into Stone – Nature’s Hidden Climate Warriors
Nature never stops surprising us. We know that trees help clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂). But now, scientists have discovered something even more amazing — some fig trees can turn carbon dioxide into stone! Yes, it sounds unbelievable. But it is true. What is this new discovery? Researchers found that certain fig trees, especially Ficus wakefieldii ( Scientific name: Ficus wakefieldii ), growing in Kenya, can: Absorb CO₂ from the air Convert it into solid mineral crystals Store it as calcium carbonate (like limestone or chalk) 👉 This means the carbon is locked away in a rock-like form , which can last for a very long time. 🔬 How does this process work? This special natural process is called the Oxalate–Carbonate Pathway . Here is how it happens in simple steps: The tree absorbs CO₂ from the air It converts it into organic compounds inside the plant These compounds change into oxalates Microorganisms in the soil help convert them into calcium c...