A new study has uncovered the origins of baobabs, the tall and uniquely shaped deciduous trees that are famously spotted on the island of Madagascar.
About Baobab Tree (Upside-down Tree):
- Genus: The Baobab tree belongs to the Adansonia genus.
- Height Range: It can grow between 20 to 100 feet tall.
- Characteristic Shape: The tree is known for its broad trunks with compact tops.
- Notable Fact: Some species are prehistoric, over 200 million years old.
Distribution:
- Native to various regions:
- Africa: Two species
- Madagascar: Six species
- Australia: One species
- Special Mention: Mandu, Madhya Pradesh, India, has over 1,000 trees.
Unique Features:
- Longevity: Baobabs can live for thousands of years.
- The oldest recorded baobab is the Panke baobab in Zimbabwe, which is 2,450 years old.
- Trunk Features: The trunks are massive, bottle-shaped or cylindrical, and can store large amounts of water.
Fruit: The fruit is round or oval and highly nutritious
Ref: Source
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