Adansonia madagascariensis
Madagascar Baobab
Adansonia madagascariensis is a species endemic to Madagascar, distributed in the dry regions of northern and northwestern Madagascar, particularly in deciduous forests on limestone (tsingy) and sandy soils. It is one of six baobabs endemic to Madagascar and differs from the well-known A. digitata by its more slender trunk and red to orange flowers. It holds deep cultural importance for Malagasy communities, who use its fruit and bark.
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© Katherine Wagner-Reiss
CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Adansonia |
| Growth Habit | Medium to tall deciduous tree with a cylindrical to slightly swollen trunk, 10–20 m tall |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable (VU) — IUCN; threatened by deforestation, agricultural burning, and bark over-harvesting |
| pH Target | 7.0–8.5 |
| Type | Limestone or sandy, well-drained; neutral to alkaline pH |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Cylindrical to fusiform trunk with smooth, light grey bark, less swollen than other species in the genus. In mature individuals it can reach 2–3 m in diameter.
ecoDigitate leaves with 5–8 elliptic to lanceolate leaflets with a shiny surface, developing at the onset of the rainy season (October–November) and falling around May.
ecoConspicuous red or orange-red flowers, unlike the white flowers of A. digitata, with reflexed petals and numerous stamens forming a red fascicle. Bloom in the dry season.
ecoOvoid to spherical fruit, 10–20 cm, with a hard epicarp and white floury acidic pulp. Kidney-shaped seeds are embedded in the fibrous pulp.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Limestone or sandy, well-drained; neutral to alkaline pH
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Extract seeds from ripe fruits and wash off pulp to prevent fungal infection.
- 2 Scarify the testa with fine sandpaper or hot water (60 °C) for 20 minutes.
- 3 Soak in clean water at room temperature for 24 hours.
- 4 Sow 1–2 cm deep in sterilized sandy substrate at 28–35 °C.
- 5 Germinates in 15–35 days. Maintain moderate moisture until the first true leaves appear.
In pots, use a deep container to accommodate the taproot; avoid transplanting after two years unless strictly necessary.
Watering during leaf drop and winter dormancy: causes rot that kills the tree within weeks.
Every 4–6 years; preferably at the start of the growing season when first buds appear
Fertilize monthly during the rainy season (November–April) with balanced fertilizer (10-10-10); stop completely during dormancy
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No known toxicity. Fruit pulp has been traditionally consumed and contains vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
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Plant Health
Collar and root rot (Phytophthora spp.): main threat in cultivation. Ensure perfect drainage and avoid watering during vegetative dormancy.
Soft scales (Coccus hesperidum): can colonize juvenile trunk in humid conditions; treat with summer mineral oil.
Leaf anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.): necrotic leaf spots in rainy and high-humidity conditions; improve air circulation and apply preventive copper fungicide.
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"Unlike A. grandidieri and A. rubrostipa, A. madagascariensis has the most northerly distribution among Madagascar's baobabs, reaching the northern tip of the island (Antsiranana). Its red flowers — unique among baobabs — suggest bird pollination (sunbirds, Nectariniidae) in addition to the usual frugivorous bats. Bark extraction for basketry is causing deep scarring that compromises the survival of mature individuals."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.