BAOBAB TREE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: In a groundbreaking conservation endeavour, the Global Society for the Preservation of Baobabs and Mangroves (GSPBM) has initiated a mission to rejuvenate the iconic baobab trees.

Baobab Tree

• About: The baobab tree, also known as the upside-down tree, belongs to the Adansonia genus within the Malvaceae family, subfamily Bombacoideae.
• Distribution: Nine species of baobab trees exist, with two native to mainland Africa, six to Madagascar, and one to Australia. Mandu, in Madhya Pradesh, India, is a notable area where baobabs thrive.

• Features:
• Baobabs are characterized by their longevity, with some living for thousands of years.
• They possess massive, bottle-shaped or cylindrical trunks with faint growth rings and compact tops.
• The fruit of the baobab tree is highly nutritious and either round or oval-shaped.
• It is renowned as the 'Tree of Life'.
• Ecological Significance:
• Baobabs play a crucial role as keystone species in Madagascar's landscapes.
• Their large trunks and extensive root systems store water, providing a vital resource during droughts.
• This water storage capacity supports diverse life forms, contributing to biodiversity in baobab habitats.