Malagasy Baobab (Adansonia madagascariensis)

Native to

Madagascar

Height

Over 65 ft

IUCN status

Near Threatened

Also called

Bozy Malandy

Synonym

Adansonia bernieri

The first Malagasy baobab to be officially described on the record, the Malagasy Baobab is also sometimes referred to as Adansonia bernieri, named after its colonial discoverer.

The trees can grow over 65 feet tall and are often over 15 feet in width. They have smooth, pale grey bark and often have irregular branching patterns.

They have 5 to 7 soft leaflets on their palmate leaves. They boast dark red flowers, the most showy of the baobab flowers, though they can sometimes be yellow as well.

The fruits are usually quite small with a medium-thick velvet-like, woody pericarp/skin.

Similar to Adansonia za in many ways except their unique fruits. The Malagasy Baobab is classified as “Near Threatened”.

Growing madagascariensis

One of the faster-growing baobabs, and a good pick if digitata feels too slow. The seeds germinate readily with heat and moisture. You can nick the seed coat after soaking to speed things up, but I find the seedlings come out heartier if you’re patient. Germination guide →

Other baobab species

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