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Adansonia za
Family: Malvaceae
Common Name: baobab, za Origin: Adansonia za is the most common and widely distributed baobab species within Madagascar, and is the only species found in the southeast and southwest. Its distribution includes the Northwest coast, western coast, and inland Madagascar, inhabiting degraded sub-arid and semi-arid shrublands, dry deciduous forests, spiny forests, thickets, and riparian environments up to 800 meters in elevation. Description: A. za is a deciduous tree with a sparse, apically branching crown that remains leaf-less for 9 months every year. The cylindrical trunk is impressive, reaching up to 98 feet tall and 20 feet wide, often swelling or tapering, with gray bark. From November to February, the distinctive flowers will appear – a long green cylinder that resembles a bean, from which yellow and red petals emerge, possessing long yellow stamens. The flower bud curls onto the stem of the flower and remains even after blooms have appeared. After flowering, black oblong or globose fruits will form. Interesting Features:
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