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| | |image = Baobab Adansonia digitata.jpg | | |image = Baobab Adansonia digitata.jpg |
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| | |subdivision = See [[#Species|Species section]] | | |subdivision = See [[#Species|Species section]] |
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| − | A '''baobab''' is any of nine species of [[deciduous]] tree in the genus '''''Adansonia''''', found in arid regions of [[Madagascar]], mainland [[Africa]], [[Arabian Peninsula|Arabia]], and [[Australia]]. The generic name honours [[Michel Adanson]], the French naturalist and explorer who described ''[[Adansonia digitata]]''.
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| − | Of the nine species, six are native to Madagascar, two are native to mainland Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and one is native to Australia. One of the mainland African species also occurs on Madagascar, but it is not a native of that island. It was introduced in ancient times to south Asia and during the colonial era to the Caribbean. It is also present in the island nation of [[Cape Verde]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Wickens |first= G. E.|author2=Lowe, P.|title= The Baobabs: Pachycauls of Africa, Madagascar and Australia|year=2008|publisher= Springer Verlag|location=Berlin, Germany; New York, NY|isbn=978-1-4020-6430-2|oclc=166358049}}</ref> The ninth species was described in 2012, and is found in upland populations of southern and eastern Africa.<ref name="kilima">{{cite journal|url=http://www.uq.edu.au/nuq/jack/Taxon%20new%20GPS.pdf|author=Pettigrew, J. D.|year=2012|title=Morphology, ploidy and molecular phylogenetics reveal a new diploid species from Africa in the baobab genus ''Adansonia'' (Malvaceae: Bombacoideae)|journal=Taxon|volume=61|pages=1240–1250|display-authors=etal}}</ref> The African and Australian baobabs are almost identical despite having separated more than 100 million years ago, probably by [[oceanic dispersal]].<ref>{{cite journal|authors=Baum DA, Small RL, Wendel JF|title=Biogeography and floral evolution of baobabs (''Adansonia, Bombacaceae'') as inferred from multiple data sets|journal=Syst Biol|year=1998|volume=47|issue=2|pages=181–207|url=http://web.utk.edu/~rsmall/Adansonia.pdf}}</ref>
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| − | ==Description==
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| − | Baobabs reach heights of {{convert|5|to|30|m|ft|abbr=on}} and have trunk diameters of {{convert|7|to|11|m|ft|abbr=on}}{{Cn|date=February 2015}}. The [[Glencoe Baobab|Glencoe baobab]], a specimen of ''A. digitata'' in [[Limpopo Province]], [[South Africa]], was considered to be the largest living individual, with a maximum [[circumference]] of {{convert|47|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bigbaobab.co.za/baobab.html |title=Big Baobab Facts|accessdate = 2008-01-08| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080106151314/http://www.bigbaobab.co.za/baobab.html| archivedate= 2008-01-06 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> and a diameter of about {{convert|15.9|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The tree has since split into two parts, so the widest individual trunk may now be that of the [[Sunland Baobab|Sunland baobab]], or Platland tree, also in South Africa. The diameter of this tree at ground level is {{convert|9.3|m|ft|abbr=on}} and its circumference at breast height is {{convert|34|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name=patrut>Patrut, A., et al. (2010). [https://journals.uair.arizona.edu/index.php/radiocarbon/article/viewFile/3705/pdf Fire history of a giant African baobab evinced by radiocarbon dating.] ''Radiocarbon'' 52(2), 717-26.</ref>
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| − | ''Adansonia'' trees produce faint [[growth ring]]s, probably annually, but they are not reliable for aging specimens, because they are difficult to count and may fade away as the wood ages. [[Radiocarbon dating]] has provided data on a few individuals. A specimen of ''A. digitata'' known as Grootboom was dated and found to be at least 1275 years old, making it one of the oldest known [[flowering plant|angiosperm]] trees.<ref name=patrut/><ref name=kew>{{cite web |url=http://www.kew.org/plants-fungi/Adansonia-digitata.htm |title=''Adansonia digitata'' (baobab) |website=Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew |accessdate=2014-06-08}}</ref>
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| − | ==Species==
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| − | Species include:<ref name="GRINSpecies">{{cite web |url=http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/splist.pl?167 |title=GRIN Species Records of ''Adansonia'' |work=Germplasm Resources Information Network |publisher=United State Department of Agriculture |accessdate=2011-01-14}}</ref>
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| − | * ''[[Adansonia digitata]]'' <small>[[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]</small> – African baobab, dead-rat-tree, monkey-bread-tree (western, northeastern, central & southern [[Africa]], in [[Oman]] and [[Yemen]] in the [[Arabian Peninsula]], [[Asia]] and in [[Penang]], [[Malaysia]]<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Gardner | first1 = Simon | last2 = Sidisunthorn | first2 = Pindar | last3 = Lai | first3 = Ee May | title = Heritage Trees of Penang | publisher = Areca Books | location = Penang | date = 2011 | isbn = 978-9-675-71906-6 }}</ref>)
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| − | * ''[[Adansonia grandidieri]]'' <small>[[Henri Ernest Baillon|Baill.]]</small> – Grandidier's baobab, giant baobab ([[Madagascar]])
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| − | * ''[[Adansonia gregorii]]'' <small>[[Ferdinand von Mueller|F.Muell.]]</small> (syn. ''A. gibbosa'') – boab, Australian baobab, bottletree, cream-of-tartar-tree, gouty-stem (northwestern Australia)
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| − | * ''[[Adansonia kilima]]'' <small>Pettigrew, et al.</small> – montane African baobab (eastern & southern Africa)<ref name="kilima" />
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| − | * ''[[Adansonia madagascariensis]]'' <small>Baill.</small> – Madagascar baobab (Madagascar)
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| − | * ''[[Adansonia perrieri]]'' <small>[[René Paul Raymond Capuron|Capuron]]</small> – Perrier's baobab (northern Madagascar)
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| − | * ''[[Adansonia rubrostipa]]'' <small>[[Henri Lucien Jumelle|Jum.]] & [[Joseph Marie Henry Alfred Perrier de la Bâthie|H.Perrier]]</small> (syn. ''A. fony'') – fony baobab (Madagascar)
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| − | * ''[[Adansonia suarezensis]]'' <small>H.Perrier</small> – Suarez baobab (Madagascar)
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| − | * ''[[Adansonia za]]'' <small>Baill.</small> – za baobab (Madagascar)
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| − | ==Habitat==
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| − | The Malagasy species are important components of the [[Madagascar dry deciduous forests]]. Within that [[biome]], ''Adansonia madagascariensis'' and ''A. rubrostipa'' occur specifically in the [[Anjajavy Forest]], sometimes growing out of the [[Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve|tsingy]] [[limestone]] itself. ''A. digitata'' has been called "a defining icon of African bushland".<ref name=kew/>
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| − | [[Image:Adansonia grandidieri04.jpg|thumb|200px|right|''[[Adansonia grandidieri]]'', Madagascar]]
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| − | ==Ecology==
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| − | Baobabs store [[water]] in the trunk (up to {{convert|120000|l|usgal|disp=or}}) to endure harsh drought conditions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Baobab tree in Senegal | url=http://www.senegal-online.com/anglais/parcs-faune-flore/baobab.htm|accessdate=2008-10-01| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081004233417/http://www.senegal-online.com/anglais/parcs-faune-flore/baobab.htm| archivedate= 2008-10-04 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> All occur in seasonally [[arid]] areas, and are [[deciduous]], shedding their [[leaf|leaves]] during the dry season.
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| − | Baobabs are important as nest sites for birds, in particular the [[mottled spinetail]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sabap2.adu.org.za/docs/sabap1/422.pdf |title=Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds |accessdate=2014-10-30}}</ref> and four species of [[Ploceidae|weaver]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://weavers.adu.org.za/spcat.php?spc=22 |title=Weavers breeding in baobabs |publisher=Animal Demography Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa|accessdate=2014-10-30}}</ref>
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| − | ==Food uses==
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| − | The fruit has a velvety shell and is about the size of a [[coconut]], weighing about {{convert|1.5|kg}}. It has an acidic, tart flavor, described as "somewhere between grapefruit, pear, and vanilla".<ref name=ukfsa>{{cite web |url=http://acnfp.food.gov.uk/assess/fullapplics/baobab |title=Baobab dried fruit pulp. EC No. 72; August 2006: Application from PhytoTrade Africa to approve baobab dried fruit pulp as a novel food ingredient. Authorised July 2008 |author=UK Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes |year=July 2008 |publisher=UK Food Standards Agency |accessdate=2012-06-03}}</ref> The fresh fruit is said to taste like [[sorbet|sherbet]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://keys.trin.org.au/key-server/data/0e0f0504-0103-430d-8004-060d07080d04/media/Html/taxon/Adansonia_gregorii.htm |title=''Adansonia gregorii'' |website=Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants |accessdate=2014-06-08}}</ref>
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| − | The dried fruit powder of ''A. digitata'' contains about 12% water and modest levels of various nutrients, including [[carbohydrate]]s, [[pectin]], [[riboflavin]], [[calcium]], [[magnesium]], [[potassium]], [[iron]], and [[phytosterol]]s, with low levels of [[protein]] and [[fat]]s.<ref name=ukfsa/><ref>{{cite journal |author=Osman, M. A.| year=2004 |title= Chemical and nutrient analysis of baobab (''Adansonia digitata'') fruit and seed protein solubility|journal=Plant Foods Hum Nutr |volume=59 |issue=1 |pages=29–33 |publisher= |doi= 10.1007/s11130-004-0034-1|pmid=15675149 }}</ref><ref name=bbcnew>{{Cite web| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7506997.stm|title=New exotic fruit to hit UK shops|accessdate=2008-07-15|publisher= [[BBC]] | date=2008-07-15| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090307051935/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7506997.stm| archivedate=March 7, 2009<!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author= Chadare, F. J. |year= 2009|title= Baobab food products: a review on their composition and nutritional value |journal= Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr |volume= 49 |issue=3 |pages= 254–74|publisher= |doi= 10.1080/10408390701856330|pmid= 19093269|display-authors=etal}}</ref> [[Vitamin C]] content, described as variable in different samples, was in a range of 74–163 mg per 100 g of dried powder.<ref name=ukfsa/>
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| − | The powdery white interior may be used as a "thickener in jams and gravies, a sweetener for fruit drinks, or a tangy flavor addition to hot sauces".<ref name=bbcnew/> The fruit pulp and seeds of ''A. grandidieri''<ref name=grand>Ambrose-Oji, B. and N. Mughogho. 2007. [http://database.prota.org/PROTAhtml/Adansonia%20grandidieri_En.htm ''Adansonia grandidieri'' Baill.] In: van der Vossen, H. A. M. and G. S. Mkamilo (Eds). PROTA 14: Vegetable oils/''Oléagineux''. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands.</ref> and ''A. za'' are eaten fresh.<ref name=za>Ambrose-Oji, B. and N. Mughogho. 2007. [http://database.prota.org/PROTAhtml/Adansonia%20za_En.htm ''Adansonia za'' Baill.] In: van der Vossen, H. A. M. and G. S. (Eds). PROTA 14: Vegetable oils/''Oléagineux''. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands.</ref> In [[Tanzania]], the dry pulp of ''A. digitata'' is added to [[sugarcane]] to aid fermentation in [[brewing|beermaking]].<ref>Sidibe, M., et al. ''Baobab,'' Adansonia digitata ''L.'' Volume 4 of ''Fruits for the Future''. International Centre for Underutilised Crops, 2002.</ref> The seeds of some species are a source of [[vegetable oil]]<ref name=grand/><ref name=za/> and leaves may be eaten as a [[leaf vegetable]].<ref name=kew/>
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| − | In Angola, the dry fruit is usually boiled and the broth is used for juices or as the base for a type of ice cream known as ''gelado de múcua''. In [[Zimbabwe]], the fruit is used in traditional food preparations which include "eating the fruit fresh or crushed crumbly pulp to stir into porridge and drinks". [[Malawi]] women have set up commercial ventures harvesting the baobab to earn their children's school fees.
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| − | Since 2008, interest has been increasing for developing baobab seeds or dried fruit powder for consumer products.<ref name=biov>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bioversityinternational.org/index.php?itemid=1166 |title=Scientists predict African fruit trees could help solve major public health problem|accessdate=2008-10-01|publisher=Bioversity International}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Financial-Industry/Baobab-goes-for-GRAS-ahead-of-2010-World-Cup |title=Baobab goes for GRAS ahead of 2010 World Cup |last=Hills |first=Sarah |date=2008-09-30 |website=FoodNavigator-USA.com |publisher=William Reed Business Media |accessdate=2014-06-08}}</ref> In the [[European Union]] (EU) prior to commercial approval, baobab fruit powder was not available for ingredient uses, as legislation from 1997 dictated that foods not commonly consumed in the EU would have to be formally approved first. In 2008, baobab dried fruit pulp was authorized in the EU as a safe food ingredient,<ref>{{cite web| title= Baobab dried fruit pulp | url= http://acnfp.food.gov.uk/assess/fullapplics/baobab |year=2008| publisher = UK Food Standards Agency |accessdate=2012-06-03}}</ref> and it was later granted [[GRAS]] status in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/GenerallyRecognizedasSafeGRAS/GRASListings/ucm174945.htm |title=Agency Response Letter GRAS Notice No. GRN 000273 |publisher=Fda.gov}}</ref>
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| − | ==Other uses==
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| − | Some baobab species are sources of [[fiber crop|fiber]], [[dye]], and [[fuel]]. [[Indigenous Australians]] used the native species ''A. gregorii'' for several products, making string from the root fibers and decorative crafts from the fruits.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51187088 |title=Dance of the baob |newspaper=[[The Australian Women's Weekly]] | date=2 February 1966 |accessdate=11 January 2012 |page=26 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
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| − | ==Gallery==
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| − | {{Commons category|Adansonia}}
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| − | {{Wikispecies}}
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| − | <gallery>
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| − | File:Baob tree.jpg|''[[Adansonia digitata]]'' at [[Thalassery]], Kannur, Kerala, India
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| − | File:Adansonia suarezensis.jpg|''[[Adansonia suarezensis]]''
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| − | Image:Baobab Avenue 1.JPG|''[[Adansonia grandidieri]]''
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| − | Image:Derby boab, Western Australia.jpg|''[[Adansonia gregorii]]''
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| − | File:Rubostipaanjajavycmichaelhogan.jpg|''[[Adansonia rubrostipa]]''
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| − | </gallery>
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| | ==References== | | ==References== |
| − | {{Reflist|30em}}
| + | <references/> |
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| − | ==Further reading==
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| − | {{Wikisource1911Enc|Baobab}}
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| − | *Baum, D. A., et al. (1998). [http://web.utk.edu/~rsmall/Adansonia.pdf Biogeography and floral evolution of baobabs (''Adansonia'', Bombacaceae) as inferred from multiple data sets.] ''Systematic Biology'' 47(2), 181–207.
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| − | * Braun, K. (1900) ''Beiträge zur Anatomie der'' Adansonia digitata ''L.'' F. Reinhardt, Universitäts-Buchdruckerei, Basel, [http://worldcat.org/oclc/15926986 OCLC 15926986]
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| − | *Lowe, P. ''The Boab Tree''. Port Melbourne, Australia: Lothian. {{ISBN|0-85091-912-6}}
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| − | *Pakenham, T. ''The Remarkable Baobab''. New York: Norton. 2004. {{ISBN|0-393-05989-8}}
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| − | *Watson, R. ''The African Baobab''. Cape Town, London: Struik. 2007. {{ISBN|978-1-77007-430-9}}
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| − | {{Taxonbar}} | + | {{Ack-Wikipedia}} |
| − | {{Authority control}}
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| − | [[Category:Adansonia| ]]
| + | [[Category:Malvaceae]] |
| − | [[Category:Malvaceae genera]] | |
| − | [[Category:Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus]]
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