By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Baobabs store water in the trunk (up to 120,000 litres or 32,000 US gallons) to endure harsh drought conditions. In most species, the shell is indehiscent (does not break open easily). The flowers range from red to yellow to white and have five petals. [10][11], Baobabs are long-lived deciduous, small to large trees with broad trunks and compact crowns. [9] The flowers have a central tube (staminal tube) made up of fused stalks of stamens (filaments), with unfused filaments above. [9], The fruit of the baobabs is one of their distinguishing features. Baobab is a tree native to Africa, Madagascar, Australia, and the Arabian Peninsula. In the old days, there were baobab trees everywhere in the school yard… by the time I arrived, there were only two left, and by the time I graduated, only one could be seen among all the mango trees that filled the school’s playground. Know more about baobab? Sometimes the lobes do not separate cleanly, distorting the shape of the flower as they bend back. According to Arabian and the African beliefs, baobab tree was thrown up into the atmosphere, and in the process, the roots of the tree reached Heaven and the branches remained on earth. It is one of the woods sometimes referred to as African teak, although it is unrelated to the teak family. Adansonia gregorii, commonly known as the boab, is a tree in the family Malvaceae.As with other baobabs, it is easily recognised by the swollen base of its trunk, which forms a massive caudex, giving the tree a bottle-like appearance.Endemic to Australia, boab occurs in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, and east into the Northern Territory.It is the only baobab to occur in … 4 4 0. 3 2 0. They only open near dusk. Some species are pollinated by bats and lemurs, while others rely on hawk moths. The scientifical name of the baobabs, Adansonia, traces back to French botanist Michel Adanson, who dared an expedition to Senegal in the 18th century and wrote the first scientific description of a baobab tree. Baobab, (genus Adansonia), genus of nine species of deciduous trees of the hibiscus, or mallow, family (Malvaceae). Bark of Adansonia Digitata. The calyx lobes remain fused at the base, leaving a feature (calyx tube) that has nectar-producing tissue and that is cup-shaped, flat or tubular; the form of the calyx tube varies with species. The transition to compound leaves comes with age and may be gradual. Some people are calling the baobab fruit the next “super food” because of its exotic nature and rich nutrient profile. [6] The baobab is also known as the "upside down tree", a name that originates from several myths. The Baobab Tree can be grabbed for Monkey Bread. What is baobab and the baobab tree, Adansonia Digitata? Adansonia is a genus made up of eight species of medium to large deciduous trees known as baobabs (/ ˈ b eɪ oʊ ˌ b æ b /).Previously classified within the family Bombacaceae, they are now placed in the Malvaceae.They are native to Madagascar, mainland Africa and Australia. Rich in Many Important Vitamins and Minerals. Petals are set near the base of the staminal tube and are variable in shape and colour. Bini – Usi. The tree also grows wild in Sudan in the regions of Darfur and the state of Kordofan. 3 2 0. The Glencoe baobab, a specimen of A. digitata in South Africa, was considered to be the largest living individual, with a maximum circumference of 47 m (154 ft) and a diameter of about 15.9 m (52 ft).The height is 17 m (56 ft), and the spread of crown is 37.05 m (121.6 ft). [7] A ninth species was described in 2012 (Adansonia kilima Pettigrew, et al. While some call it the monkey bread tree, lemonade tree, upside down tree, others in Africa call it the iconic tree, the ‘Magic Tree or the Tree of Life’. The Baobab Treehouse Experience is tailor-made for each and every guest. 3 3 0. Since 2005, 9 of the 13 oldest African baobab specimens and 5 of the 6 largest trees have died or suffered the collapse and death of their largest or oldest stems, a statistically unlikely phenomenon that scientists suggested may have been caused by the effects of climate change. Baobab Dino Africa. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Yoruba – Imi-eshu. Parrot Parrot Eating. So the widest individual trunk may now be that of the Sunland baobab… Many species have edible leaves and fruits and are important for a number of herbal remedies. A re-evaluation of Adansonia kilima.". The flowers, when fresh, may be white, cream, bright yellow or dark red, but fade quickly, often turning reddish when dried. [9], Flowers are born near the tips of reproductive shoots, in the axils of the leaves. Baobab African Tree. In Africa, the baobab tree is known for its longevity and also referred to as the "tree of life." "One African baobab species or two? The Baobab Tree is found in the Savanna. There are a total of eight types of its kind: six species live in the drier parts of Madagascar, two in mainland Africa, one in Australia and three in India. )[13] but is no longer recognized as a distinct species. Ah, you're the curious type aren't you? [24] Another specimen known as Grootboom was dated and found to be at least 1275 years old. 50% Heart Healthy Fiber Pe… [9] and made up of 5 lobes that in bud are joined almost to the tip. The baobab is a prehistoric species which predates both mankind and the splitting of the continents over 200 million years ago. [11], Baobabs are important as nest sites for birds, in particular the mottled spinetail[22] and four species of weaver. The remaining three species (A. madagascariensis, A. rubrostipa, and A. za) are considered to be “near threatened.”. [24] One called Grandmother is made up of three fused trunks of different ages, with the oldest part of the tree an estimated 1,600 years old. 4 3 0. All Baobabs are deciduous trees ranging in height from 5 to 20 meters. Monkey Bread is not edible until it is modified by hitting with any rock or hard tool to create Cracked Monkey Bread. The generic name honours Michel … Wild guides, Princeton University Press. The symbol of my secondary school in Douala, Cameroon, was the Baobab tree.. Baobab plant clade, plant tribe and order fall under the scientific classification of Baobab. https://www.britannica.com/plant/baobab-tree-genus, Siyabona Africa - Kruger National Park - Baobab, baobab - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), baobab - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. A densely hairy ovary is enclosed in the staminal tube, and a long style tipped with a stigma emerges from the filaments. Morinda Lucida. As the flower opens, the calyx lobes split apart and become coiled or bent back (reflexed) at the base of the flower. The Baobab Tree with its scientific name “Adansonia digitate”, is known by many different names. The single Australian baobab species, A. gregorii, called boab, or bottle tree, is found throughout the Kimberley region of Western Australia. [9], As of July 2020[update], there were considered to be eight species of Adansonia, with six endemic to Madagascar, one native to mainland Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and one native to Australia. Given their peculiar shape, an Arabian legend has it that “the devil plucked up the baobab, thrust its branches into the earth, and left its roots in the air.”. Even gardeners without green fingers can make it with a little patience, to multiply the baobab tree. Baobab Tree Senegal IROKO = Milicia Excelsa = African Teak : Iroko is a large hardwood Tree from the west coast of tropical Africa the Tree is known to the Yoruba as Irókò or loko and is believed to have supernatural properties. The Baobab tree is a strange looking tree that grows in low-lying areas in Africa and Australia. Baobab trees can grow so large that people sometimes take shelter by their trunks. Before we get into all the details on what Baobab Fruit is, let's just whet your appetite with why you should even bother learning more about the Baobab fruit...Baobab Fruit Has: 1. The Malagasy species are important components of the Madagascar dry deciduous forests. They are large, showy and strongly scented. The Baobab tree is known as the tree of life and with good reason. [12] Flowers may remain attached to the trees for several days, but the reproductive phase is very short, with pollen shed during the first night and stigmas shriveled by the morning. Across Africa, the oldest and largest baobabs began to die in the early 21st century, likely from a combination of drought and rising temperatures. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Habit and physical description Each leaf comprises five leaflets The white flowers are large, perfumed, and pollinated by hawk moths. 5 4 0. DOI: 10.1038/s41477-018-0170-5, Baum, D.A., 1995, A Systematic Revision of Adansonia (Bombacaceae). Baobab Tree Tree. Name Baobab [Adansonia digitata] Other names include boab, boaboa, tabaldi, bottle tree, upside-down tree, and monkey bread tree. Therefore, it attained the name “upside-down tree.” Baobabs were introduced in ancient times to south Asia and during the colonial era to the Caribbean. Learn more about these incredible African trees that bear baobab fruit. Older individuals often have huge hollow trunks that are formed by the fusion of multiple stems over time. Tree diameter fluctuates with rainfall so it is thought that water may be stored in the trunk. [20] Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Bini Eb – ghedore. The trunk is made of fibrous wood arranged in concentric rings. Arrive after lunch for sundowners and a picnic-style dinner on the deck, or depart Xigera Safari Lodge after dinner for an unforgettable night’s sleep in the tree house of your dreams. 72; August 2006: Application from PhytoTrade Africa to approve baobab dried fruit pulp of African baobab (, "Baobab: Benefits, nutrition, dietary tips, and risks", "South African villagers tap into trend for 'superfood' baobab", "African seed oils of commercial importance – Cosmetic applications", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Adansonia&oldid=1008168726, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing potentially dated statements from July 2020, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, African baobab, dead-rat-tree, monkey-bread-tree, montane African baobab, western, northeastern, central & southern, boab, Australian baobab, bottletree, cream-of-tartar-tree, gouty-stem, central to south part of western Madagascar, The white pith in the fruit of the Australian baobab (, The seeds of some species are a source of, This page was last edited on 21 February 2021, at 22:47. [20][25] The Glencoe baobab, a specimen of A. digitata in Limpopo Province, South Africa, was considered to be the largest living individual, with a maximum circumference of 47 m (154 ft)[26] and a diameter of about 15.9 m (52 ft). Given the threats of habitat loss and their slow generation time, three species (A. grandidieri, A. perrieri, and A. suarezensis) are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, including the iconic baobabs of the famous Avenue of the Baobabs (A. grandidieri) in the Menabe region. Its young leaves are edible, and the large gourdlike woody fruit contains a tasty mucilaginous pulp from which a refreshing drink can be made. Urhobo – Ikpamaku. Most Adansonia species are pollinated by bats. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. [9]The calyx is usually green (brown in A. grandidieri Baill.) The baobab tree has a tall, thick trunk and looks like it’s upside down with its roots in the air. The enormous trees have huge swollen trunks that can hold thousands of gallons of water. In 2012 morphological and phylogenetic data revealed A. kilima to be a species distinct from A. digitata. Latin Name Adansonia digitata Description. [14] The African and Australian baobabs are almost identical despite having separated more than 100 million years ago, probably getting to Australia from Africa by oceanic dispersal.[15]. 82, No. In the early 21st century, baobabs in southern Africa began to die off rapidly from a cause yet to be determined. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. English – Brimstone tree. [23], Radiocarbon dating has provided data on a few individuals of A. digitata. Perfect, you will fit in well here at Limitless Good. Previously classified within the family Bombacaceae, they are now placed in the Malvaceae. Behrens, K. and K. Barnes. It is the national tree of Madagascar. Baobab is a tree native to Africa, Madagascar, Australia, and Arabia. Adansonia is a genus made up of eight species of medium to large deciduous trees known as baobabs (/ˈbeɪoʊˌbæb/). Igbo – Akwukwo nwa Osi n’aka or ahenhea. 6 x Potassium of Bananas 4. 3 (1995), pp. It is sometimes also used as medicine. Often referred to as the “tree of life,” the baobab tree is native to Africa, and the nickname certainly makes sense, considering that a single tree can live for over 500 years. madagascariensis.[9]). Baobab African Tree. "Coming to Detroit without any family or a sense of community was a … As the largest succulent plant in the world, Baobabs can sometimes grow to heights of 20 metres and beyond. [10] The trees appear to become parched, then become dehydrated and unable to support their massive trunks. Impala Baobab Savannah. Baobab Tree Botany. Genus Common Names = Baobab, boab, boaboa, Cream of Tartar tree, bottle tree, Lemonade tree, upside-down tree, and monkey bread tree. Fire history of a giant African baobab evinced by radiocarbon dating. Technically known as Adansonia Digitata, Baobabs are also commonly known as "upside down" or monkey bread trees. [9] The fruits are large, oval to round and berry-like and hold kidney-shaped seeds in a dry, pulpy matrix. Instead the name “baobab” probably comes from Arabic bu hibab, which means as much as “a fruit with much seeds”. "Baobab dried fruit pulp. Leaflets may have toothed or smooth edges and may be hairless or have simple to clumped hairs. Missouri Botanical Garden. Nature Plants 4: 423–426. During periods of drought and famine people tap into its bark for water and survival. In November 2009 the tree split in two parts. The diameter of this tree at ground level is 9.3 m (31 ft) and its circumference at breast height is 34 m (112 ft). [2][4][5] The generic name honours Michel Adanson, the French naturalist and explorer who described Adansonia digitata. The Panke baobab in Zimbabwe was some 2,450 years old when it died in 2011, making it the oldest angiosperm ever documented, and two other trees—Dorslandboom in Namibia and Glencoe in South Africa—were estimated to be approximately 2,000 years old. List of Adansonia Vernacular names 8 Jul 2020, Adrian Patrut et al. Baobabs have stipules at the base of the leaves, but the stipules are soon shed in most species. 3 2 0. Baobab Tree Perth. It is large, oval to round, and berry-like in most species (usually less than 10 centimetres (3.9 in) long in A. The locals call it "Gongolaze" and use its fruits as food and medicine and use the tree trunks as reservoirs to save water. A strong fibre from the bark is used for rope and cloth in many places, and the trees supply raw materials for hunting and fishing tools. Melissa Petruzzello is Assistant Editor of Plant and Environmental Science and covers a range of content from plants, algae, and fungi, to renewable energy and environmental engineering. [38], Some baobab species are sources of fiber, dye, and fuel. Opening is rapid and movement of the flower parts is fast enough to be visible. Height: up to 30 meters Bloom Color: White Propagation. A. digitata has been called "a defining icon of African bushland". 440-471, Cron, Glynis & Karimi, Nisa & Glennon, Kelsey & Udeh, Chukwudi & Witkowski, E & Venter, Sarah & Assogbadio, A & Baum, David. https://www.tripsavvy.com/fun-facts-about-the-baobab-tree-1454374, "Trees That Have Lived for Millennia Are Suddenly Dying The oldest baobabs are collapsing, and there's only one likely explanation", "Last March of the 'Wooden Elephants': Africa's Ancient Baobabs Are Dying", "The Comparative Pollination and Floral Biology of Baobabs (Adansonia- Bombacaceae)", "Morphology, ploidy and molecular phylogenetics reveal a new diploid species from Africa in the baobab genus, "Biogeography and floral evolution of baobabs (, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T30388A64007143.en, "Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds", "Searching for the oldest baobab of Madagascar: radiocarbon investigation of large Adansonia rubrostipa trees". Native Africans often refer to the baobab as the monkey-bread-tree and have known about the health benefits of … Hausa – Kuka. They are native to Madagascar, mainland Africa[2] and Australia. [9], Leaves are palmately compound in mature trees, but seedlings and regenerating shoots may have simple leaves. Trees Landscape Plants. [9] The other baobabs grow from 25 to 30 m (80 to 100 ft) tall, with 2 to 3 m (7 to 10 ft) diameter trunks. [9] The flowers open around dusk; opening so quickly that movement can be detected by the naked eye and are faded by the next morning. A real thirst for knowledge! Six of the species (Adansonia grandidieri, A. madagascariensis, A. perrieri, A. rubrostipa, A. suarezensis, and A. za) are endemic to Madagascar, two (A. digitata and A. kilima) are native to mainland Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and one (A. gregorii) is native to northwestern Australia. AGERATUM CONYZOIDES. While beauty trends may come and go, many are rooted in centuries of routine. Efik – Otiti. The flower is made up of an outer 5-lobed calyx, and an inner ring of petals set around a fused tube of stamens. Omissions? 1 0 1. There is usually only a singe flower in an axil, but sometimes flowers occur in pairs. Elephant Safari Africa. English – Goat weed. A. digitata however often have massive single or multiple trunks of up to 10 m (33 ft) diameter. Within that biome, Adansonia madagascariensis and A. rubrostipa occur specifically in the Anjajavy Forest, sometimes growing out of the tsingy limestone itself. The trees are culturally and religiously important in many areas. Baobab is the common name of a genus of trees (Adansonia). 2 3 0. Baobab genus and other classification is necessary information to know for every botanist. Young trees usually have slender, tapering trunks, often with a swollen base. Genus is a group of plants which are related to each other in some or the other way. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Madagascar Baobab Tree. Take advantage of our Presidents' Day bonus! This fruit tree grows in the southern countries … Adansonia gregorii is generally the smallest of the baobabs, rarely getting to over 10 m tall and often with multiple trunks. A District Commissioner in Zambia once set up his office inside, and a tree still standing in Western Australia was used to imprison Aboriginal convicts in the 1890s. Wildlife of Madagascar. EC No. All baobab species are extensively used by local peoples. (2016). Although that species was once presumed to be a remnant left behind when the Gondwana landmass broke apart 180 million years ago, the fact that the boab has not evolved to be markedly different from other baobabs suggests a much younger age for the species and that the boab originally came to Australia by long-distance seed dispersal from Africa. [40], Elements of the fruit pulp of Adansonia digitata (clockwise from top right): whole fruit pulp chunks, fibers, seeds, powder from the pulp, "Baobab" and "Upside-down tree" redirect here. Reaching heights of about 12 metres (39 feet), the tree features the characteristically swollen trunk of the genus and bears compound leaves that are completely shed during drought periods. The single Australian baobab species, A. gregorii, called boab, or bottle tree, is found throughout the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The trunk is often home to bats and snakes, and even humans. Reaching heights of about 12 metres (39 feet), the tree features the characteristically swollen trunk of the genus and bears compound leaves that are completely shed during drought periods. Updates? These trees can live for thousands of years. 7. BAOBAB TREE. Trees have also been introduced to other regions such as Asia. Naturally hollow or excavated trunks often serve as water reserves or temporary shelters and have even been used as prisons, burial sites, and stables. A baobab. This could be attributed to the unique nature of this tree species. Yoruba – Oruwo, Eruwo. The tree is known locally as ‘Shadreck’s Office’ ©Simon Espley. The Baobab Tree: Africa's Iconic "Tree of Life" The majestic baobab tree is an icon of the African continent and lies at the heart of many traditional African remedies and folklore. [9] Both A. rubrostipa and A. madagascariensis are small to large trees, from 5 to 20 m (16 to 66 ft) tall. 6 x Vitamin C of Oranges 3. For the tree in Hyde Park, see, Tropicos.org. In Africa the trees are tapped and plugged. The second, "polygamous baobab", has six fused stems, and is an estimated 1,000 years old. Lara Banga Ghana Mosque. They have unusual barrel-like trunks and are known for their extraordinary longevity and ethnobotanical importance. Yoruba – Ose. Common names for the baobab include monkey-bread tree (the soft, dry fruit is edible), upside-down tree (the sparse branches resemble roots), and cream of tartar tree (cream of tartar). Genus Latin Name Pronunciation: ad-an-SOH-nee-uh. Grafting has proven successful, and grafted trees fruit in approximately five years. 1 3 0. [3] Trees have also been introduced to other regions such as Asia. USDA Zones: 10 – 12, can be grown in other zones in pots with care in winter Difficulty: Moderate Other Names: Adansonia (scientific name), boab, boaboa, tabaldi, bottle tree, upside-down tree, and monkey bread tree. Although superficially similar to the African baobab, it favours mountain habitats in mainland Africa and features distinct floral and pollen characteristics, as well as fewer chromosomes. [24], Leaves may be eaten as a leaf vegetable. The tree is used as a source of water and food for indigenous people.. Fruit and leaves of the tree are used medicinally for asthma, mosquito repellent, and for allergic skin conditions.. [21] All occur in seasonally arid areas, and are deciduous, shedding their leaves during the dry season. Scientists believe it is unlikely that disease or pests were able to kill many trees so rapidly, and some speculated that the die-off was a result of dehydration from global warming. Indigenous Australians used the native species A. gregorii for several products, making string from the root fibers and decorative crafts from the fruits. Baobab Genus and Other Classification. The African baobab (A. digitata) boasts the oldest known angiosperm tree: carbon-14 dating places the age of a specimen in Namibia at about 1,275 years. Baobab (bay-oh-bab), also called monkey bread or monkey tamarind, is a large fruit that looks a bit like a young coconut, although it doesn’t share the coconut’s hairiness.It’s called monkey bread or monkey tamarind not only because various primates love it, but also because it mimics a tamarind tree, another tree which bears edible fruit in parts of Africa. In the book Padre from the Monastery to the Forest: A Memoir of My Life Journey in a War-Torn Eritrea and My Immigrant Life in the USA, Hiabu H. Hassebu tells the story of that miracle: "Two Italian soldiers, to avoid being targeted by a British jet fighter, hid themselves under a Baobab tree. Genus Latin Name Meaning: Named for Michel Adanson, 18th century French surgeon, botanist and naturalist. This massive baobab tree in Gonarezhou, Zimbabwe, was used by an infamous poacher to store ivory and rhino horn. It is commonly used as a source of water and food. The tree’s unique pendulous flowers are pollinated by bats and bush babies. Inside the outer shell, kidney-shaped seeds are set in a dry pulp. [39] Oil from the seed is also used in cosmetics, particularly in moisturizers. [7] They are among the most long-lived of vascular plants[8] and have large flowers that are reproductive for a maximum of 15 hours. The tree has since split into two parts, so the widest individual trunk may now be that of the Sunland baobab, or Platland tree, also in South Africa. Baobab is a good source … Baobab is often called the “Tree of Life” because it stores water in its trunk and the wood from the tree is about 80% water. A. gibbosa is the only species with fruits that crack while still on the tree, which then tend to break open upon landing on the ground. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden , 1995, Vol. 6 x Antioxidants of Blueberries 2. 2016. (2018) The demise of the largest and oldest African baobabs. Help us grow this database by leaving us information in the comments section below. 4 6 1. The six Madagascan baobab species feature compact crowns and gray-brown to red trunks that taper from top to bottom or are bottle-shaped to cylindrical. The tree isn’t a fast grower, with some taking 15 to 20 years to fruit. Corrections? That's certainly the case with baobab, a trendy ingredient with a lengthy history. It has a dry, hard outer shell of variable thickness. Baobab, also known as the Kalpavriksha, is known to be a wish-fulfilling tree. They are also present in the island nation of Cape Verde. [24], Two large baobabs growing in Tsimanampetsotse National Park were also studied using radiocarbon dating. She has her M.S.... Baobab trees growing in the wooded-grassland area of Senegal in West Africa. [9] Baobab trees have two types of shoots—long, green vegetative ones, and stout, woody reproductive ones. [20], In Tanzania, the dry pulp of A. digitata is added to sugarcane to aid fermentation in brewing (beermaking).

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