BAOBAB TREE -
ENVIRONMENT
News: Baobab reforestation efforts
show rapid impact in Madagascar
What's in the news?
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The Global Society for the Preservation of Baobabs
and Mangroves (GSPBM) has initiated a mission to rejuvenate the iconic baobab
trees in Madagascar.
Baobab Tree:
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It is a long-lived
deciduous, small to large tree with broad trunks and compact tops which is
also known as the upside-down tree.
Distribution:
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There are 9
species of baobab tree.
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Two are native to mainland Africa, six to Madagascar
and one to Australia.
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Mandu, in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, is perhaps the only place in India where baobab
trees are found in abundance.
Features:
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It can live to become thousands of years old.
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They only have very
faint growth rings.
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Mature trees have massive trunks that are
bottle-shaped or cylindrical and tapered from bottom to top.
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The fruit
of the tree is round or oval-shaped and is highly nutritious.
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It is also known as ‘Tree of Life’
Ecological Significance:
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Baobabs are keystone
species in Madagascar's unique landscapes.
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Their massive trunks and extensive root systems are
vital for storing water in arid environments, providing a critical resource for
both the trees and the surrounding ecosystem during drought periods.
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The ability to store water enables baobabs to
support a wide array of life, from microorganisms to larger animals, fostering
biodiversity in their habitats.