Madagascar's largest baobab, which can live for 2000 years

Adansonia grandidieri is the largest and most majestic of Madagascar's baobabs. It can reach 25 to 30 meters in height, 3 to 5 meters in diameter, and live for over 2000 years. This is the tree you have probably already seen in photographs, with its cylindrical reddish-grey trunk forming the famous "Avenue of the Baobabs" that has inspired so many photographers.

The baobab is called "mother of the forest" and essentially does everything in reverse: in winter it loses its leaves so that the branches look like roots, as if the tree had been planted upside down. It does not bloom during the day but at night. It can regenerate its bark directly from the surface of damaged wood. And the trunk actually contains water; the spongy wood absorbs water during the rainy season to survive the dry season.

The massive, cylindrical trunk is crowned by a sparse, sparsely branched, flat-topped and light canopy. Despite its dry natural environment, the tree grows rapidly at first; it can reach 2 meters in height within 2 years from seed, and 12 to 15 meters with a trunk diameter of 60 centimeters within 12 years.

Botanical description

Of the world's eight baobab species, six are found only in Madagascar, including this species which grows in the island's southwestern regions. 

The species is found only within a limited area of Madagascar and is threatened by habitat destruction and poor regeneration due to the low number of mature specimens. It is classified as "Critically Endangered" on the IUCN Red List.

Before its collapse in 2018, a giant baobab known as Tsitakakoike was considered the largest, with a circumference of 27 meters and almost 1400 years old.

Care

In nature, it grows in moist but well-drained soil. Established plants are drought-tolerant.

Thrives in the brightest possible location with direct sun. Water regularly during the growing season but allow the soil to dry between waterings. Use very well-drained soil with a good proportion of sand, gravel or perlite.

During winter, the tree goes dormant and loses its leaves; at this time, reduce watering significantly or stop altogether. Ideal temperature 20-30 degrees Celsius during growth. Does not tolerate frost and must be kept frost-free all year round in our climate. Buy Baobab trees online!