About Adansonia za Baill.
Adansonia za Baill. is a large deciduous pachycaul (thick-stemmed) tree. It reaches 10–40 metres (33–131 ft) in height, and can grow up to around 6 metres (20 ft) in diameter. The trunk and branches have a brownish-rose color. The trunk is widest at the base, and narrows noticeably toward the top of the tree. This species is endemic to southern and north-western Madagascar. Its existing populations are severely fragmented, and population numbers are declining due to habitat loss and logging. Adansonia za grows in arid scrublands, deciduous forests, savannah, and Madagascar spiny forests. It prefers sunny locations and well-drained soils, and grows at elevations up to 800 metres (2,600 ft) above sea level. It acts as the dominant tree in some of southern Madagascar’s deciduous forests, and becomes less common further north. The fruit pulp, seedling roots, and seeds of Adansonia za are edible; seeds contain 11% oil. During droughts, its wood can be fed to cattle, and its trunk can be hollowed out to store water. Bark fibre from the tree can be used to make cloth or rope, and the flowers can be used to soothe sore throats.
