The Baobabs of Africa: Ancient Trees of Wonder

In the heart of Africa’s landscapes stand some of the oldest, largest, and most visually stunning trees on Earth—the baobabs. Known as the “upside-down trees” due to their root-like branches, baobabs are iconic symbols of African identity, culture, and ecology. These remarkable trees can live for thousands of years, storing water in their massive trunks and providing shelter, food, and medicine for both wildlife and people.

There are nine species of baobab globally—six endemic to Madagascar, two to mainland Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and one native to Australia. In this two-part guide, we explore the most distinctive baobab species of Africa, where to find them, and why they continue to amaze scientists, travelers, and conservationists alike.

1. Adansonia digitata – The African Baobab

The most widespread and iconic baobab, Adansonia digitata is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to South Africa and across to the eastern highlands. It is often called simply the “African Baobab.” These massive trees can grow over 25 meters tall and store thousands of liters of water in their thick trunks—making them vital in arid environments.

Their edible fruit, often called “monkey bread” or “baobab fruit,” is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and the bark is used for rope, cloth, and even roofing. African communities revere these trees for their practical uses as well as their spiritual significance.

Where to See It:

• Kruger National Park (South Africa)
• Lake Malawi region (Malawi)
• Karoo and Limpopo landscapes

2. Adansonia grandidieri – Grandidier’s Baobab

Grandidier’s Baobab is arguably the most photogenic of all baobab species. With its impossibly straight trunk and towering height, Adansonia grandidieri grows up to 30 meters tall and is found only in Madagascar. It dominates the famous Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava, one of the island’s top attractions.

These trees thrive in dry, deciduous forests and are adapted to store water during long dry seasons. They are endangered due to habitat loss, and conservation efforts are underway to preserve the unique ecosystem they support.

Where to See It:

• Avenue of the Baobabs (Western Madagascar)
• Menabe and Morondava regions

3. Adansonia za – The Za Baobab

The Adansonia za is the most widespread baobab species in Madagascar. While not as tall as Grandidier’s, it has a thick, bottle-shaped trunk and bright green leaves. The trees are highly valued for their bark, used in building materials, and their leaves and fruit, which are consumed locally.

Za baobabs grow in dry, open forests and are often surrounded by agricultural landscapes. Despite being fairly abundant, they face growing pressure from logging, charcoal production, and land clearing.

Where to See It:

• Isalo National Park (South-central Madagascar)
• Dry forests of western and southern Madagascar

4. Adansonia rubrostipa – The Fony Baobab

Known for its colorful, peeling bark, the Fony Baobab (Adansonia rubrostipa) is a smaller, more ornamental species that grows in the spiny forests of southwestern Madagascar. It typically reaches heights of 5–15 meters and has a characteristically squat and gnarled appearance.

The Fony Baobab thrives in extremely dry and saline soils, where few other trees can survive. Its resilience and unusual bark—striped with shades of orange, gray, and red—make it one of the most visually interesting baobabs to photograph.

Where to See It:

• Ifaty Spiny Forest (Madagascar)
• Tsimanampetsotsa National Park

Explore Related Blogs:

• 10 of the Best African Trees and Where to See Them
• Africa’s Oldest Living Trees
• Madagascar’s Unique Ecosystems
• Desert-Adapted Plants of Africa
• Top Natural Wonders to See in Botswana

5. Adansonia perrieri – Perrier’s Baobab

Among the rarest of all baobab species, Adansonia perrieri is critically endangered and found only in northern Madagascar. This tree grows in dry deciduous forests near the coast and is distinguished by its smaller size and slender, cylindrical trunk.

With fewer than 250 mature individuals known in the wild, conservationists are working urgently to protect this species from deforestation and fragmentation. Its survival is critical to maintaining Madagascar’s botanical heritage.

Where to See It:

• Loky-Manambato Protected Area (Northern Madagascar)
• Dry coastal forests near Antsiranana

6. Adansonia suarezensis – Suarez Baobab

Another rare Madagascan baobab, the Suarez Baobab is native to the northern tip of the island near Antsiranana (formerly Diego Suarez). It’s a tall, narrow tree with smooth bark and a very limited range, growing only on limestone outcrops and in dry forest pockets.

Like Perrier’s Baobab, it is threatened by urban expansion and logging, making it one of the island’s priority species for botanical conservation.

Where to See It:

• Antsiranana region (Northern Madagascar)
• Montagne des Français Reserve

7. Adansonia madagascariensis – The Madagascar Baobab

Widespread in western and northwestern Madagascar, Adansonia madagascariensis is a distinctive baobab with pinkish-gray bark and a bottle-shaped trunk. It flowers in the wet season, producing large white blooms that open at night to attract bats for pollination.

Although not as massive or showy as its cousins, it plays a crucial role in dry forest ecosystems and provides nectar, shelter, and seasonal fruit for many animals.

Where to See It:

• Ankarafantsika National Park
• Kirindy Forest and Menabe region

8. Baobab Hybrids and Unique Forms

In areas where multiple baobab species coexist—especially in Madagascar—hybrids of Adansonia za and Adansonia grandidieri are sometimes found. These hybrid trees often display unusual trunk shapes, differing bark textures, and intermediate leaf forms.

While hybrids are rarer in nature, they add to the phenotypic diversity of baobabs and show how evolution continues to shape these living monuments. These trees are also studied for insights into climate resilience and genetic diversity.

Where to See Them:

• Baobab Alley and Menabe Conservation Areas (Madagascar)

Cultural Significance and Conservation

Across Africa, baobabs are deeply embedded in folklore and community life. Some are revered as sacred meeting places or ancestral shrines. Others are known as “tree of life” for their ability to provide fruit, water, and materials in harsh environments.

Yet despite their longevity, baobabs are increasingly under threat from climate change, habitat loss, and human encroachment. Several ancient trees have mysteriously died in recent decades, sparking alarm among scientists and local communities.

Organizations across Africa are working to map, protect, and educate about baobabs through conservation zones, tree-planting campaigns, and indigenous knowledge preservation.

Tips for Responsible Travel:

• Visit protected parks and reserves with local guides
• Support eco-lodges and baobab conservation programs
• Learn about the cultural history of baobabs in each region

Explore Related Blogs:

• Africa’s Most Endangered Trees
• Baobabs and the Climate Crisis
• Sacred Trees and African Spirituality
• Unusual Plant Hybrids Found in the Wild
• How to Photograph Baobabs Like a Pro

Baobabs are more than trees—they are sentinels of Africa’s landscapes and timekeepers of ancient ecosystems. Whether you’re staring up at the giants of Madagascar or admiring lone trunks on the savannah, these remarkable trees leave a lasting impression on all who encounter them.