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.
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Interesting Features:
  • Baobab species are capable of living for thousands of years and reaching incredible heights.
  • The soft and spongy trunk stores great quantities of water – up to 100 gallons have been extracted from a single tree. 
  • Lastly, Adansonia za is the only tree that is capable of regenerating bark directly from an exposed wood surface. 
  • Uses: Baobab trees have been extensively valued for spiritual and cultural practices in Madagascar, Africa, and Australia. 
    • At the same time, the bark, leaves, roots, flowers, fruit, seeds, and sap can be consumed by humans or cattle, and used medicinally – such as to cure sore throats. 
    • In its natural environment, baobab provides food and shelter to numerous mammal and bird species. 
    • Finally, A. za can be used as a cistern for storing water, transformed into a bonsai, or used to create cloth and cordage from its bark.

Cultivation and Care:
  • Watering: Low
    • Adansonia za should be watered sparingly from spring to late summer – about twice a week. However, during the fall and winter dormancy period, the soil should be kept relatively dry. 
  • Soil: Rocky and well-draining soils are preferred, with a pH of 6.6 to 7.5.
  • Lighting: Long periods of sun exposure are required in order for baobab to thrive, therefore it should not be kept indoors during the spring and summer growing seasons.
  • Propagation: Baobab can be propagated through seed and experiences Phanerocotylar germination, in which the seed germinates above ground, and the cotyledons emerge from the seed coat. 
  • Cold Tolerance: 35°F, USDA hardiness zone 10.
  • Special Accommodations: A. za is very frost tender, and must be brought indoors in the winter. At the same time, ensure that the soil is kept dry and that the substrate is well-draining in order to prevent root-rot.

Sources:
  1. University of Arizona Campus Arboretum
  2. Useful Tropical Plants
  3. Treegirl
  4. Baobabs
  5. Dave's Garden
  6. Rare Exotic Seeds
  7. Steere Herbarium
  8. Top Tropicals
  9. iNaturalist