Adansonia digitata BAOBAB TREE (5 seeds)

Baobab, also known as the Palaver Tree or Adansonia digitata in Latin, is a sacred tree of Senegal and Madagascar belonging to the Bombacaceae family. It is a slow-growing caudex tree found throughout the African savannah.

Its most distinguishing feature is its massive trunk, which acts as a vast water reservoir.

Its flowers are massive and majestic, brilliant white, and shaped like a beautiful star. They open during the night to attract pollinating bats.

The pod (fruit) is somewhat round and turns brown when mature; it contains numerous seeds surrounded by an edible white pulp.

Baobab seeds are round, bean-shaped, brown, and about the size of a small marble, weighing approximately 3 decigrams. They are often used to create ethnic jewelry.

- Properties / Uses:

Baobab is an exceptional nutritional resource, particularly through its naturally dry fruit pulp. Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, this powder is used to create refreshing drinks, smoothies, or to enrich culinary preparations. The seeds, meanwhile, are pressed to obtain a precious oil for cosmetics or roasted to serve as a coffee substitute.

Medicinally and artisanally, almost every part of the tree is utilized by local populations. The fibrous and resilient bark is harvested without killing the tree to manufacture ropes, fishing nets, and sturdy fabrics. In traditional pharmacopeia, the leaves are consumed as infusions or powder for their anti-inflammatory and febrifuge properties, helping to combat fever and intestinal disorders.
Do not consume without the medical advice of a healthcare professional.

Finally, it plays a fundamental ecological and social role as a shelter and reservoir. Its massive, fibrous trunk can store massive amounts of water, constituting a vital reserve during the dry season in arid zones. Beyond practicality, it often serves as a "palaver tree," a central gathering point for community life, while providing a crucial habitat for numerous bird and bat species.

- Sowing and Germination:

• The best time to sow African baobab is from late May to late July to take advantage of the heat.
• Lightly scarify the seeds with sandpaper, then soak them in lukewarm water for about 12 hours.
• Bury the seeds 1 cm deep in a tray of fine soil.
• Place the tray in a very hot greenhouse in full sun, at a temperature close to 40°C.
• Germination generally takes between 3 and 5 weeks.
• Once the seedlings reach 15 cm in height, transplant them into larger pots.

- Soil Type:

Needs well-aerated and exceptionally well-draining soil. High-quality horticultural potting soil works perfectly. A small amount of clay pebbles or sand can be added to the substrate.

- Watering and Humidity:

Does not require much humidity on its leaves as the trunk stores water. If the plant grows a very long, thin stem, it likely has too much water or not enough light.

- Light and Exposure:

Thrives in bright light and full sun. It is essential to acclimate the tree gradually when moving it between different light exposures. For artificial lighting, use horticultural neons or MH lamps at the start, then switch to sodium lamps (HPS).

- Temperature:

Growth temperature ranges from 25°C to 50°C. You must bring the plant indoors in winter, as it will not survive temperatures below freezing (0°C).

- Multiplication:

Can be reproduced via seeds or by taking cuttings from mature branches.