Grandidier's Baobab

Common Names: Grandidier's Baobab in English, or Reniala/Renala in Malagasy.

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.

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.

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.

Availability

Grandidier's baobab is endangered, and I don't list it for sale. If you're interested in this species, leave your email below or get in touch — I'm always happy to talk grandidieri.

In the meantime, if you want a Malagasy baobab with a similar tall, straight habit, Adansonia za and Adansonia madagascariensis are both great (and faster) growers.