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Baobab Madagascar: our age-old wealth
Madagascar is a remarkably rich island in terms of biodiversity, both in flora and fauna. Despite its modest size of 587,040 km², it shelters 5% of global biodiversity. The island is often described as both green and red—green for its lush evergreen forests and red for its distinctive central soil. In contrast to larger landmasses, such as Australia (7.688 million km²) and Africa (30.37 million km²), which each have only one species of Baobab, Madagascar hosts seven species, six of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Other continents, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas, have no native Baobabs at all. While Madagascar may not have man-made wonders like the Eiffel Tower or the Pyramids, it proudly boasts natural giants. Baobabs that grow over 25 meters tall. This extraordinary natural heritage makes Madagascar a unique and irreplaceable ecological treasure.
Baobab is a xerophytic plant species: in other words, it can withstand drought throughout the year. In fact, it bears leaves only during the rainy season. To avoid too much evaporation during the dry season. Moreover, its very swollen trunk contains water which it uses to survive during the season when rainfall is less than 500mm/year. This means that, this climatic condition is a favourable one for baobabs to grow. Specifically, the arid or semi-arid part is located in the western part of the island, making it the ideal place to discover the different species of Baobabs.
Can Boababs be found anywhere in Madagascar ?
The different forms of Baobab
The local population venerates the spirits believed to inhabit baobabs, and it’s no surprise, as this majestic tree takes on many unusual shapes and colors. On Madagascar’s west coast, several remarkable forms can be seen.
Firstly, the Baobab mal, found in the Kirindy forest, is known for its oddly small protrusion resembling male genitalia—disproportionate to the tree’s massive size.
Secondly, the Baobabs amoureux, located near the famous Allée des Baobabs and along Route Nationale 08, feature two trunks intertwined like lovers embracing.
Thirdly, the Coffee Baobab in the Reniala reserve at Mangily is the largest in the area. It takes seven Malagasy or twelve Japanese people holding hands to encircle it.
In conclusion, Madagascar is home to many extraordinary baobabs, each with its own story and symbolism—part of what makes these trees sacred and deeply respected by local communities.
Baobab Malagasy
In Madagascar, the Baobab is called Reniala, literally the mother of the forest, because of its height above other trees. Etymologically, the word Baobbab comes from the Arabic word Zil-hibaba or Zoul-hibab which means a plant containing fruits inside which there are a thousand grains or a thousand pepins. Currently, 07 species are found in Madagascar, 06 of which are endemic:
– Adansonia grandidieri, Adansonia pierreri, Adansonia suarezensis, Adansonia rubrostipa, Adansonia za, and Adansonia madagascariensis.
Notably, the 06 baobab species mentioned above are found in the western part of Madagascar, from Tuléar to Diego in the north.
Importance of Baobabs in
the daily life of the Malagasy people
Baobabs play a vital role in the lives of people in western Madagascar.
Ecologically, they provide habitats and food for many species, including birds, insects, and especially bats, which are the only animals that pollinate baobab flowers at night. Their deep roots, which can be as long as the tree is tall, help prevent soil erosion and keep the tree stable during cyclones. Baobabs also store water, helping to retain soil moisture during dry periods.
Economically, baobab fruits, rich in vitamin C, are used to make drinks, while the seeds are pressed into oil and the leaves are eaten or used for brushing teeth in southern regions. The bark is used in making traditional roofs, ropes, clothing, and handicrafts.
Overall, baobabs are crucial for both the environment and the livelihoods of local communities
Cultural aspects
Baobabs are often considered sacred trees and play a central role in many local beliefs and traditions. Indeed, its size conceals thousands of secrets, which is why the Malagasy people respect this species.
Because of their unique character and longevity, baobabs are symbols of Madagascar’s resilience and natural wealth.
In environmental and climatic terms:
Certainly, Mangroves are known to sequester more carbon, but so do baobabs. Like all trees, baobabs play a role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Adaptation to arid conditions: Baobabs are adapted to arid climates because they are xerophilous. They store more than 10,000 litres of water in their trunks to survive periods of drought.
However, Baobabs are not pyrophilous. Therefore, stop the bushfire, it could kill off our wealth.
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