The baobab is the African tree famous for its swollen trunk, which can store large amounts of water.
Baobabs belong to the genus Adansonia. African species occur in mainland Africa and Madagascar, while other species are native to Australia. Their massive trunks can hold water in specialized woody tissues, an adaptation that helps them survive seasonal drought. The trees are deciduous during dry periods and may appear leafless for months.
The familiar bottle-shaped trunk and sparse crown have inspired names such as the “upside-down tree,” because the branches can resemble roots when the tree is bare. Baobabs also provide food and shelter: their fruit contains edible pulp, and their flowers are pollinated by animals including bats and insects, depending on the species.
Not every baobab has the same shape or ecological role. “Baobab” refers to several species rather than one single tree. The African baobab, Adansonia digitata, is the best-known mainland species, while Madagascar has several distinctive endemic baobabs.