Baobab tree in the Morogoro area of Tanzania, East Africa. Baobab is the common name of a genus of trees (Adansonia). There are eight species. Six species live in Madagascar, one in mainland Africa, and one in Australia. The baobab is the national tree of Madagascar. Other common names include ââ¬Åboabââ¬Â, ââ¬Åboaboaââ¬Â, ââ¬Åbottle treeââ¬Â, ââ¬Åthe tree of lifeââ¬Â, ââ¬Åupside-down treeââ¬Â, and ââ¬Åmonkey bread treeââ¬Â. The trees reach heights of 5 to 30 m (16 to 98 ft) and trunk diameters of 7 to 11 m (23 to 36 ft). Its trunk can hold up to 120,000 liters of water. For most of the year, the tree is leafless, and looks very much like it has its roots sticking up in the air. The cork-like bark and huge stem are fire resistant and are used for making cloth and rope. The leaves are used as condiments and medicines. The fruit, called ââ¬Åmonkey breadââ¬Â, is edible, and full of vitamin C. As of 2010 experts estimate the potential international market at a billion dollars a year.
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