Adansonia grandidieri

Adansonia grandidieri, known as Grandidier’s Baobab, is the most iconic and visually striking of Madagascar’s baobab species. Towering up to 30 meters (98 feet) tall, this majestic tree features a massive, smooth, reddish-brown trunk, sparse branching, and stunning white flowers. It is one of Madagascar’s most famous trees, often featured in landscapes like Avenue of the Baobabs.

Key Features:

• Botanical Name: Adansonia grandidieri
• Common Names: Grandidier’s Baobab, Giant Baobab of Madagascar
• Family: Malvaceae
• Native Region: Madagascar
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Mature Height: Up to 30 meters (98 feet)
• Trunk: Thick, cylindrical, smooth, reddish-brown, capable of storing massive amounts of water
• Leaves: Palmate, deciduous, emerging in the rainy season
• Flowers: Large, white, nocturnal, pollinated by bats and lemurs
• Fruits: Large, oblong, woody capsules containing nutrient-rich seeds
• Season: Active in the rainy season, dormant in dry months

Growing Conditions:

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-draining, sandy or rocky soil
• Watering Needs: Drought-tolerant; requires minimal watering
• Temperature Tolerance: Not frost-hardy; prefers warm, dry climates
• Humidity: Prefers dry to semi-arid conditions
• Lifespan: Extremely long-lived, potentially centuries old

Landscaping & Uses:

✅ Perfect for large gardens, parks, and arid landscapes
✅ Ideal for bonsai cultivation and container growing
✅ Highly sought-after by collectors of rare and exotic plants
✅ Drought-resistant, making it great for water-wise gardening
✅ Culturally significant in Madagascar, used for food, medicine, and traditional practices