Adansonia digitataAfrican baobab

The Adansonia digitata, or African Baobab, is an iconic deciduous tree native to Africa, celebrated for its massive, swollen trunk, unique silhouette, and longevity, often living for thousands of years. Reaching heights of 15–25 meters and trunk diameters up to 10 meters, it is a striking feature in large landscapes. The Baobab produces small, white, fragrant flowers and large, nutrient-rich fruits known as "monkey bread," valued for their high vitamin C content.

This drought-tolerant tree is perfectly adapted to arid environments, making it a symbol of resilience and a vital resource for local ecosystems and communities.

Specifications

• Height15–25 meters
• WidthUp to 10 meters (trunk diameter)
• Native toSub-Saharan Africa
• FoliagePalmate leaves that drop during the dry season
• Growth rateSlow

Conditions

• SoilPrefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerates poor and rocky soils
• LightFull sun
• WaterVery low; highly drought-tolerant once established
• ClimateThrives in arid and semi-arid regions

Additional Features

• FlowersLarge, white, fragrant blooms that open at night, pollinated by bats
• FruitLarge, hard-shelled pods containing nutritious pulp and seeds
• UsesIdeal as a feature tree in large landscapes, arid gardens, or conservation projects
• SpacingRequires ample space due to its size and spreading canopy
• Low MaintenanceExtremely low care requirements once established
• Cultural SignificanceKnown as the "Tree of Life," providing food, water storage, and shelter in its native regions
• Environmental BenefitsSupports wildlife habitats, prevents soil erosion, and stores water in its trunk

The African Baobab is a majestic and ecologically significant tree, ideal for large-scale plantings in arid landscapes or as a symbol of strength and longevity in botanical collections.

Project pedigree: This species appears in the palette supplied for Red Sea Global's Shura Island. Read the Shura Island record.