Grandidier's Baobab (Adansonia grandidieri)

Native to

Madagascar

Height

Over 100 ft

IUCN status

Endangered

Also called

Reniala, Renala, Mother of the Forest

Known in Malagasy as “The Mother of the Forest”, Grandidier’s Baobabs boast well deserved worldwide recognition. These are the giants lining the famous Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava.

These giant baobabs can soar to over 100 feet tall or 20 feet wide. They generally grow cylindrically, with statuesque growth patterns.

Their red/copper bark is often found with intricate spiral designs, though no one actually knows what causes them. Their palmate leaves have 5 to 7 leaflets, and their dark brown and white flower buds turn to large, easily broken fruits. The bark is often used for roofing. Adansonia grandidieri and Adansonia suarezensis have brush-shaped flowers to attract fruit bats and lemurs.

The seeds of Adansonia grandidieri are much more water permeable than its cousins, bringing their natural germination rates higher than other baobabs.

Classified as endangered, primarily due to habitat loss. They can be found growing wild in a small section of coastal West Madagascar.

Can I buy Grandidier’s baobab?

I don’t list grandidieri for sale. It’s endangered, and I’d rather point people to species that are just as rewarding to grow. If you have questions about this one, get in touch — I’m always happy to talk grandidieri.

If you love its tall, straight habit, Adansonia za and Adansonia madagascariensis are close cousins that grow faster.

Other baobab species

African Baobab · Australian Baobab (Boab) · Malagasy Baobab · Za Baobab · Suarez Baobab · Fony Baobab · Perrier's Baobab