Adansonia Digitata

Common name(s):

African Baobab Tree, Monkey Bread Tree, Bottle Tree, Tree of Life

Phonetic Spelling: 

A-dan-so-nia dig-i-tata

Description:

Stands at 16-82 feet tall. Characterized by its cylindrical shape and buttressed base. The tree tapers from bottom to top. The largest Baobab tree was recorded with an approximately 652 feet wide base and a total height of approximately 65 feet. Lifespans can reach up to 3,000 years old. Has the unique ability to regenerate bark between two of its fused stems. Grows fruits that are edible and contain lots of vitamins and nutrients.

Distribution/Location: 

Native to Madagascar, Africa, and Australia. Also grows in India and Ceylon.

Environmental Concerns: 

Madagascar Baobabs are being prevented from reproducing due to fires, changes in habitats, seed predation or predators, and competition from weeds preventing seeds from being able to survive. Of the nine species of Baobab trees on Earth, 6 are found only in Madagascar, three of which are endangered.

Citation(s): 

https://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_baobab.html#:~:text=How%20long%20can%20Baobab%20trees,can%20shelter%20inside%20its%20trunk.

Learn More:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/madagascar-baobab-trees-deforestation-climate-change