This ancient bottle tree has a swollen greyish trunk up to 20 m (60 ft) in circumference with ascending thick branches that form an open rounded crown. It has divided dark green leaves and the large cream-coloured funnel-shape flower appears in summer.

Hardiness zones 11 to 12

Adansonia gibbosais naturally found in northern Western Australia and the Northern Territory growing on slopes and sandstone ridges or along creeks and drainage lines in the drier regions.

It prefers a very well drained sandy-stony soil that is moderately fertile in an open sunny position and is drought tolerant but frost tender.

The Baobab is grown for its unique habit, flower and fruit. It is planted in botanical collections large gardens and public places as a curiosity specimen. It is suitable for inland regions and establishes in 4-6 years and is very long lived. It is not normally used in domestic gardens and may be difficult to obtain requiring a specialist nursery. ID 3289

Note:
The Baobab has a long history and the leaves, roots and fruit have been used for food, medicine, art and religion for many centuries. Aboriginal legend states that the tree was pulled from the ground by the tree god and pushed back into the earth upside down because of its bad tasting and smelling fruit. The origins of the tree are unclear but it is clearly related to species found in Madagascar and Africa.

Adansonia(AD-an-SOH-nee-ah) gibbosa(gib-OH-sah)

Malvaceae(mal-VAY-see-ee)
Cotton, Mallows and Hollyhocks