Baobab (Adansonia digitata) is a large tree belonging to the mallow family (Malvaceae Juss.). Its height reaches about 18–25 m and the trunk diameter is around 3–4 m. This tree can live up to 4–5 thousand years. Its fruit is edible. The baobab is a tree species of the genus Adansonia, typical for the dry savannas of Africa and Australia. It is considered one of the thickest trees in the world. The plant reaches a height of 18–25 m and its diameter can reach up to 8 m. The name Adansonia was given by Linnaeus in honor of the French botanist and African explorer Michel Adanson (1727–1806). The species name “digitata” refers to the shape of the leaves, which are divided into 5–7 segments in baobab. In Africa, besides the common baobab, there are seven other species belonging to the genus Adansonia. Six of them (including the famous Adansonia grandidieri, known for its unique appearance) grow only on the island of Madagascar, while the seventh species (boab) grows in Australia. Among these species, Adansonia grandidieri is particularly noteworthy due to its unusual appearance. This species grows only on Madagascar Island. Baobab blooms from October to December. Its flowers are large, reaching about 20 cm in width. The fruits resemble cucumbers or melons; inside the fruit there is a sour, flour-like pulp and black seeds. The fruits are edible and serve as good food for monkeys; therefore, local people call this tree the “monkey bread tree.” Baobab trees do not have annual rings, which makes determining their age difficult. Baobab trees can live up to about 1000 years.
Social networks:
