Baobab trees, with their unique and otherworldly shapes, have been around for about 200 million years. These trees belong to the genus Adansonia and there are eight different species distributed across Australia, Africa, southwest Asia, and Madagascar. Scientists are currently studying the genetic characteristics of these trees to protect their future. By sequencing the genomes of all eight species, they are exploring the evolutionary history of the genus Adansonia, including its origin, diversification, and hybrid species.
The wide distribution of baobab trees is believed to be due to their existence before the supercontinent Pangea broke up. However, except for A. digitata, other species of baobab trees are threatened, with A. perrieri being extremely endangered. Research has shown that factors such as temperature, altitude, and rainfall in their geographical areas influence the distribution of baobab trees.
One of the impressive things about baobab trees is their longevity. Some of the oldest trees have hollow cavities between their roots called pseudo cavities which can hold water to help them survive dry seasons. Baobab trees in Kruger National Park in South Africa are estimated to be around 1400 years old and some researchers suggest they can live up to 3000 years! The giant baobab tree Adansonia grandidieri in Madagascar’s Baobab Avenue can grow up to 25-30 meters tall!
Baobab tree fruit is known for its unique taste which is a combination of grape, pear and vanilla and it is rich in vitamin C. Despite being hermaphrodite, baobab trees require pollination to produce fruit which blooms at night attracting pollinators like hawk moths and bats . The distinctive appearance of these trees with branches curling like roots and a smooth trunk has earned them the nickname “upside-down tree”.
