ADANSONIA, GORAKHCHINCH

Description:

Adansonia digitata, the baobab, is the most widespread of the Adansonia species on the
African continent, found in the hot, dry savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa. It also grows,
having spread secondary to cultivation, in populated areas. In India, the tree is found in hot,
dry regions of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Adansonia digitata, the African baobab, is the most widespread tree species of the genus
Adansonia, the baobabs, and is native to the African continent and the southern Arabian
Peninsula (Yemen, Oman). These are long-lived pachycauls; radiocarbon dating has shown
some individuals to be over 2,000 years old. They are typically found in dry, hot savannas
of sub-Saharan Africa, where they dominate the landscape and reveal the presence of a

watercourse from afar. They have traditionally been valued as sources of food, water,
health remedies or places of shelter and are a key food source for many animals. They are
steeped in legend and superstition. In recent years, many of the largest, oldest trees have
died, possibly due to climate change. Common names for the baobab include monkey-bread
tree, upside-down tree, and cream of tartar tree.