The newly discovered tree species has been given a unique name after actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London, England honored the 47-year-old actor for his years of commitment to environmental sustainability.
One of the things DiCaprio stands for is an online campaign to stop logging in Cameroon's Ebo forests. Shortly after DiCaprio explained the matter, Cameroon's President suspended logging concessions in forests deemed important sites for primate conservation.
"We think DiCaprio has a very important role to play in helping to stop the clearance of the Ebo Forest," said Dr Martin Cheek from Kew.
The newly discovered tree species is officially named Uvariopsis dicaprio. The 4 meter tall tree has bright yellow flowers growing from its trunk.
DiCaprio also uses his profession as an actor in being critical of environmental destruction, one of which is through his role in the film Don't Look Up.
This sci-fi genre film and satirical comedy set a record as the third most popular Netflix film of all time. Released on December 24, 2021, the work of director Adam McKay also stars Jennifer Lawrence, Jonah Hill, Cate Blanchett, Meryl Streep to Ariana Grande.
Don't Look Up tells how a disaster that occurs is often preceded by people who don't want to hear the word scientists. The film follows two astronomers who warn people about a comet that is coming to destroy Earth.