Adansonia

Baobabs hold profound cultural importance across Africa and Madagascar, featuring in countless myths, legends, and spiritual practices. They are often called the "upside-down tree" for their root-like branches and symbolize longevity, wisdom, and community. In art and folklore, baobabs are depicted as ancient sentinels and sacred meeting places, revered for their life-sustaining properties and majestic form.

• Some baobabs are estimated to be over 2,000 years old, making them among the oldest living trees on Earth.
• The trunk of a mature baobab can store thousands of liters of water, helping the tree survive prolonged droughts.
• Baobab fruit is a superfood, exceptionally rich in vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidants.
• Flowers bloom at night and are pollinated primarily by bats and nocturnal animals.
• Baobabs are called "monkey bread trees" because animals and people eat their nutritious fruit pulp.

Baobabs are ecological pillars in their environments, providing food and shelter for a diverse array of wildlife. Their flowers attract bats and nocturnal pollinators, while the fruit feeds mammals, birds, and humans. The trees' ability to store water supports local ecosystems during droughts, and their fallen leaves enrich the soil. Baobabs also stabilize landscapes and serve as keystone species in savanna and dry forest habitats.

• African baobab (Adansonia digitata) – The most widespread species, famed for its immense trunk and longevity.
• Grandidier's baobab (Adansonia grandidieri) – Endemic to Madagascar, known for its tall, slender form.
• Za baobab (Adansonia za) – Another Malagasy species, valued for its edible fruit and local uses.
• Australian baobab (Adansonia gregorii) – Native to northwestern Australia, distinguished by its compact stature.

Baobabs are found across sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and northwestern Australia. They thrive in arid and semi-arid climates, favoring well-drained soils and open savannas. Each species is adapted to its native region, with Malagasy baobabs often inhabiting dry deciduous forests and African baobabs dominating open plains and rocky outcrops.

Growing baobabs requires patience and the right conditions: they prefer warm, dry climates and well-drained soils. Seeds should be soaked and scarified before planting to encourage germination. Young trees need protection from frost and excessive moisture, as they are susceptible to root rot. Baobabs grow slowly but require little maintenance once established, thriving in full sun and tolerating drought and fire.

Major threats to baobabs include habitat loss, climate change, and overharvesting of bark and fruit. Some species, especially those endemic to Madagascar, face heightened risk due to deforestation and land conversion. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, sustainable harvesting, and raising awareness of the baobab's ecological and cultural value.

Baobab products are increasingly sought after for their nutritional and medicinal benefits. The fruit pulp is processed into powders, juices, and jams, prized for its vitamin C and antioxidant content. Seeds are edible and can be pressed for oil, while leaves are used as a vegetable. Bark fibers are crafted into rope, mats, and cloth. Baobabs also serve as shade trees, sources of traditional remedies, and raw materials for cosmetics and health foods.

Baobabs are steeped in symbolism and folklore, often representing wisdom, endurance, and community. Stories tell of the tree being planted upside-down by the gods, explaining its root-like branches. In many cultures, baobabs are sacred meeting places, believed to house spirits or serve as gateways between worlds. Their longevity and resilience inspire tales of survival and hope.

• Look for a massive, bottle-shaped trunk—often wider than it is tall.
• Notice the smooth, gray, fibrous bark and palmately compound leaves with 5–11 leaflets.
• Check for large, white flowers that bloom at night and distinctive, woody fruit capsules.
• Baobabs are leafless during the dry season, making their silhouette especially striking against the landscape.