Contents
Description
Adansonia Gregorii, also known as the boab tree or Australian baobab, is a deciduous tree species native to Australia. It belongs to the family Malvaceae and is one of only nine species of baobab trees in the world. The tree can grow up to 20 meters in height and can live for over 1,000 years.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Malvales |
| Order | Malvaceae |
| Family | Bombacaceae |
| Genus | Adansonia |
| Species | Adansonia Gregorii |
Appearance
The boab tree has a distinctive bottle-shaped trunk, which can be over 5 meters in diameter. Its leaves are oval-shaped and grow up to 20 cm in length. The tree produces large, white flowers that bloom at night and are pollinated by fruit bats. Its fruit is a large, woody capsule that contains seeds surrounded by a powdery pulp.
Care Guide
The boab tree is a hardy species that can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions. However, it requires regular watering during its first few years of growth to establish a strong root system. The tree prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It is hardy to USDA zones 10-12. Fertilization is not necessary, but can be beneficial for promoting growth.
Common Pests & Diseases
The boab tree is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections if grown in overly moist conditions. Common pests include spider mites and scale insects, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The boab tree is found in the northern regions of Australia, particularly in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It is a common sight in the savannas and grasslands of the area, and is often used as a food and water source by Aboriginal communities.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the boab tree be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the boab tree can be grown in a container, but it may not reach its full potential size.
Q: How often should the boab tree be watered?
A: The boab tree should be watered regularly during its first few years of growth, but can tolerate drought once established.
Q: How long does the boab tree live?
A: The boab tree can live for over 1,000 years.
Q: Is the boab tree endangered?
A: No, the boab tree is not currently considered an endangered species.
Related Plants
- Adansonia digitata
- Adansonia grandidieri
- Adansonia madagascariensis
- Adansonia perrieri
References
- “Adansonia Gregorii.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). Accessed 30 June 2021. https://anpsa.org.au/a-gre.html
- “Adansonia Gregorii.” Australian Plants Online. Accessed 30 June 2021. https://www.australianplantsonline.com.au/adansonia-gregorii-boab-tree.html
- “Adansonia Gregorii.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed 30 June 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:822205-1
