Adansonia digitata

El Adansonia digitata It is surely the best known African tree by all. On the net there are countless images of specimens living in the savannahs of the country, but... the truth is that there are few that show it with all its beauty; that is, with its leaves.

It has a very striking trunk, and without a doubt that is what usually attracts us most about it, but its foliage is also worth mentioning. However, what it's like?

What is the origin and characteristics of the Adansonia digitata?

This is a deciduous tree known as the monkey bread tree or baobab endemic to semi-arid areas south of the Sahara (Africa). It can reach 25 meters in height, although the circumference of its trunk exceeds 40 meters. The leaves are green and compound, and fall when the (drier) season of the year begins.

The flowers are hermaphrodite and white., appearing only in adult specimens, during the summer. And the fruits are similar in shape to that of a small melon, which contains numerous seeds.

What uses does it have?

The baobab is a tree that used as an ornamental plant, whether in the garden and even as a bonsai. But it is interesting to know that in Africa its leaves are consumed cooked, and that they also use them to feed the cattle. What's more, the fruit, which is known as Senegal squash or monkey bread, it is rich in fiber and with it pasta is produced, as well as refreshing drinks similar to lemonades that can be used to treat fever.

As if that were not enough, its black seeds and the shell of the fruits provide oil. And with the bark of the trunk, paper is made.

As a curiosity, tell you that elephants and gazelles enjoy eating its green leaves and soft wood. And it is an excellent appetizer  .

What are the care of the baobab?

La Adansonia digitata is a tree that it needs a tropical-dry climate to be able to live. This means that not only must there be no frost at any time, but also that the minimum temperature must be above ten degrees Celsius. In addition, it is important that there is a marked dry season so that it can lose its leaves. If you don't, it could weaken over the years, as it needs to spend a period of rest.

The land that has to have excellent drainage, so it is recommended that it be sandy. If you want to have it in a pot, I recommend using pumice, akadama or similar, which are substrates that will facilitate the rooting of the plant and prevent it from rotting as long as the irrigation is rather scarce.

It multiplies by seeds in spring, which must be placed in hot water for 24 hours before sowing them in seedbeds. You can also try cuttings at the end of winter or spring, impregnating their base with rooting hormones and planting them in individual pots with pumice, for example.

The baobab is a very interesting tree, don't you think?