Baobab Tree
Baobab Tree.
- Average expected life of tree, in years, from sprout to death (approx numbers)
Up to 3000 years old.
- Years until trees first fruit (ie some trees fruit within a few years, others can take decades
It can take a Baobab tree up to 200 years before it produces its first green-brown velvety pod-shaped fruit. January is when Baobabs start to fruit and fruit production is highly variable between trees. Some trees never produce fruit even though they flower every year
- Season of year when productive tree fruits (ie Summer, Autumn, Winter Spring or combo ie Su/Au)
Norther wet season. (Southern Winter) Boab trees flower and fruit in the wet season. Flowering can start as early as October and the flowers are gorgeous. Big, white, with a pinkish hue, intricate and fragrant. The fruit starts setting around January.
- Expected or average number years tree expected to fruit for once it begins. (ie year 8 to 20 = 12 yrs)
Depending on availability of water the baobab tree can take up to 200 years to produce its first fruit. Highly variable depending on environment.
- Country/area of origin
Low lying areas of Australia, Africa, Madagascar.
- Average annual rainfall in area of origin
Madagascar – 1,000 to 1,500 mm per year.
Kimberley Western Australia – about 283mm of rain per year
- Latin name of tree and family
Latin name is Adansonia gregorii
Comes from the Mallows family.
- Any other products, benefits, useful or interesting facts about of tree: Can be used for food, water storage, medicine and raw materials for rope, cloth, twine, boats etc
The tree can store hundreds of litres of water, which is an adaptation to the harsh drought conditions of its environment. The tree may be tapped in dry periods
Cream of tartar (a cooking ingredient) was originally produced from the acidic baobab seed pulp, but is now mainly sourced as a by-product from the wine-making process.
There are nine species. Six species live in the drier parts of Madagascar, two in mainland Africa, one in Australia and three in India, Ranchi.
Height, width and shape of tree at maturity.
Height up to 15 metres.
Large trunks with the largest circumference being recorded at 47 metres. On average up to 20 metres.
- Challenges or special requirements, such as needing other varieties in order to fruit
Very sturdy tree however has a spongy interior because of their water storing capabilities. If the tree is wounded it can lead to rot very quickly.
They’ve got quite a good fire resistant bark and they survive through a dry season by storing a lot of water like a big sponge. They can sit it out in the dry when other plants are going to have a hard time surviving. These guys will just wait it out till the rains come. They’ve got a fairly well adapted root system that’ll get down and find the water that’s available. They’re deciduous so they’ll lose their leaves in the dry and require less water
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