baobab
Quick Summary
The baobab, genus Adansonia, is a group of nine deciduous tree species known for their distinctive barrel-shaped trunks. Six species are native to Madagascar, two to mainland Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and one to Australia.1
The African baobab, Adansonia digitata, is often called the "Tree of Life" and can store water in its trunk, which can reach up to 9 meters (30 feet) in diameter. These trees are vital for local communities, providing edible leaves and fruits, as well as fiber for rope and cloth. Their hollowed trunks have served as water reserves, shelters, and even prisons.1
Some baobab species are endangered due to habitat loss and slow growth. The Australian baobab is known as the boab or bottle tree.1
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