Adansonia madagascariensis

Baill.

Madagascar boabab

Malvaceae Edible: Leaves, Fruit, Sap, Seeds - oil, Vegetable 128 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Adansonia madagascariensis or Madagascar baobab is a small to large deciduous tree in the family Malvaceae. It is one of six species of baobab endemic to Madagascar, where it occurs in the Madagascar dry deciduous forests.

Description

A tree. The trunk is cylinder shaped and covered with reddish bark. The branches are short. The flowers are large. They are 15 cm long. They are white with hairs petals and sepals. The fruit are round and yellow. They have a reddish pulp. The seeds are kidney shaped.

Edible Uses

The fruit flesh is used for drinks. The seeds are used for cooking oil. The sap from cuts in the bark has an agreeable flavour and can be consumed. The leaves are eaten as a vegetable.

Traditional Uses

The flesh of the fruit is used for drinks. The seeds are used for cooking oil The sap from cuts in the bark has an agreeable flavour.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. In Brisbane Botanical Gardens.

Where It Grows

Africa, Australia, Madagascar*,

Cultivation

Prefers a position in full sun. Found in the wild in well-drained soils. Established plants are drought tolerant. A fast-growing tree, it can be 12 - 15 metres tall with a bole 40 - 60cm in diameter after 12 years.

Other Uses

A fibre is obtained from the bark. The rapid growth rate of this tree has led to the wood being recommended as a potential commercial source of cellulose.

Notes

There are 6-8 Adansonia species. Also put in the family Bombacaceae. In the subfamily Bombacoideae.

Synonyms

Adansonia bernieri Baillon ex Poiss.Baobabus madagascariensis (Baill.) Kuntze

Also Known As

Bontana, Bontona, Bozy

References (6)

Adansonia 6:251. 1873-1876
Bircher, A. G. & Bircher, W. H., 2000, Encyclopedia of Fruit Trees and Edible Flowering Plants in Egypt and the Subtropics. AUC Press. p 10
Jardin, C., 1970, List of Foods Used In Africa, FAO Nutrition Information Document Series No 2. p 11
Martin, F.W. & Ruberte, R.M., 1979, Edible Leaves of the Tropics. Antillian College Press, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. p 179
Terra, G.J.A., 1973, Tropical Vegetables. Communication 54e Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, p 19

Show all 6 references