Adansonia grandidieri - Grandidiers Baobab, Giant Baobab Seeds

Description

Adansonia grandidieri is the most famous and majestic of all baobab species, native to Madagascar. This iconic tree can reach up to 30 meters in height, with a strikingly tall, cylindrical trunk that can measure over 3 meters in diameter. Its smooth, grayish bark and sparse canopy of small branches give it a unique “bottle-shaped” silhouette, making it one of the most recognizable trees in the world.

During the dry season, the tree sheds its leaves to conserve water. In late spring to early summer, it produces large, white flowers with thick, waxy petals and a strong fragrance, which open at night and are pollinated by fruit bats. The flowers give way to large, oval fruits covered in a velvety shell, containing nutritious pulp and seeds.

Adansonia grandidieri thrives in dry, well-drained soils under full sun. It is an incredibly long-lived species, adapted to withstand drought and harsh conditions. Often called the “tree of life,” it holds great ecological and cultural importance in Madagascar’s landscapes.