Baobab trees, with their unique and alien-like shapes, first appeared around 200 million years ago. Belonging to the genus Adansonia, there are 8 different species of baobab trees distributed across Australia, Africa, southwest Asia, and Madagascar. One theory suggests that the wide distribution of baobab trees is due to their existence before the supercontinent Pangea broke up. However, except for A. digitata, the other species of baobab trees are threatened, with A. perrieri being extremely endangered.
The impressive longevity of baobab trees is attributed to their unique way of growth. Some of the oldest trees have hollow cavities between their roots called pseudo cavities, which can hold water to help the tree survive dry seasons. Baobab trees in Kruger National Park, South Africa, are estimated to be around 1,400 years old, with some researchers suggesting they can live up to 3,000 years. The giant baobab tree Adansonia grandidieri in Madagascar’s Baobab Avenue can grow up to 25-30 meters tall.
Scientists are currently studying the genetic characteristics of baobab trees to protect their future. By sequencing the genomes of all eight species
