The world's tallest tropical trees pump water to their highest branches without difficulty, according to new research published in Science. Scientists from the University of Exeter and Cardiff University studied Dipterocarp trees reaching 71 metres in Malaysian Borneo, finding their hydraulic systems adapt to overcome gravity and height challenges.

Conventional theory holds that water transport becomes increasingly difficult as trees grow taller, making them more drought-vulnerable. However, the research shows these giants develop wider water-carrying vessels near the ground and leaves that resist wilting under stress. Professor Lucy Rowland explained that the trees' thin, hollow vessels maintain water in liquid form even under extreme low pressures.

Measurements during the 2023-2024 El Niño drought revealed no height-related growth penalties or hydraulic failures. Dr Paulo Bittencourt noted that the tallest 1% of trees store over half of above-ground forest carbon, making them critical for climate models. The findings suggest current predictions about tall tree drought vulnerability may be incorrect.

Malaysian PhD student Palasiah Jotan emphasized the ecological importance of these resilient giants, hoping the research strengthens arguments for protecting Asian rainforests. The study challenges existing assumptions about tree physiology and could reshape how scientists model forest responses to climate change.