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:

An Exceptional Nutritional Resource

The Baobab is an outstanding nutritional resource, particularly through its naturally dry fruit pulp. This powder is used to create refreshing drinks, smoothies, or to enrich culinary preparations. As for the seeds, they are pressed to obtain a precious cosmetic oil or roasted to serve as a coffee substitute.

Craftsmanship and Sustainable Use

From a craftsmanship perspective, 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.

Ecological and Social Role

Finally, it plays a fundamental ecological and social role as both a shelter and a reservoir. Its massive, fibrous trunk can store vast amounts of water, providing a vital reserve during the dry season in arid zones. Beyond practical aspects, it often serves as a "palaver tree," a central gathering point for community life, while offering 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.