Baobabs are great plants with fantastic characteristics – they have adapted perfectly to their environment. They provide food, housing and shelter for humans and animals alike in their countries of origin. Nevertheless they seem to have a hard time when it comes to reproduction: Their habitat is under pressure. Agricultural land is increasing and the giants are sacrificed for the sake of cotton or grain. Numbers of cattle, goats and chicken increase and eat the small shoots.
Initiatives like the Baobab Foundation of Dr Sarah Venter in South Africa try to stop that process and started to plant baobabs. Together with the women in villages in the Limpopo Province they grow baobabs from seeds. The women are “Baobab Guardians” and plant them in their homesteads. The women take care of the small trees during their first years. The guardians protect them from animals feeding on them and water them. Until the little trees can make it on their own. After about three years the baobabs are tall and strong enough to survive.
Baobabs are easy to grow from seeds – if one follows a few steps. The seeds have a hard shell. Therefore, it is important to get an opening in the shell. This can be done in various ways: by saw, file, or drill. Some people throw the seeds into boiling water briefly, others do so into an acid. The treated seeds are placed into warm water for 48 hours. They soak up the water and inside of the shell the seedling develops.
After two days in the water, the seed shells are softened and can be peeled off the seedling. Those are then placed on moistened kitchen towel in a container. It is closed with a lid and placed at a warm spot. After two more days, the seedlings are ready to be planted.
It is best for the trees, if they are planted outdoors which works only in frost-free areas. The Baobabs do not like temperatures below 12 ° C – especially when they are small. Big, old baobabs can survive colder days. Nevertheless, baobab friends in frost regions do not have to miss out on the giants. The trees are excellent as potted plants. Even those who love bonsai enjoy the trees.
However, one has to take into consideration that baobabs develop a large root system. Small baobabs form a taproot during the first three months of their lives. They gather nutrients to get ready for the dry seasons in the wild. Later on when the trees are larger, they form a pronounced flat root system. Baobabs in the pot, like their big relatives in the wild, are frugal contemporaries and do not need much care.
During the growing season in summer, they need water only as the soil in the pot gets dry. They do not like to stand in water with their roots. Therefore it is important that the soil in the pot is as dry before they are watered again. Baobabs appreciate fertilizer every now and then – but not too much. Every two years the soil in the pots should be changed.
The baobab tree, with its massive trunk and unique bottle-like shape, is an iconic species found throughout the African savannas. These trees can grow to enormous sizes and live for thousands of years, leading many to wonder – how quickly does a baobab tree grow?
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the growth rate and lifespan of the baobab tree. We’ll cover:
- An overview of the baobab tree
- Factors that affect baobab growth rates
- Growth stages and timeline to maturity
- Differences between baobab species
- Threats to baobab growth and survival
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how long it takes for a baobab tree to reach its towering heights.
Overview of The Baobab Tree
There are nine species of baobab trees found in Madagascar, mainland Africa, and Australia. The most widespread is the African baobab (Adansonia digitata), which can grow up to 98 feet (30 m) tall and 36 feet (11 m) wide.
These deciduous trees are shaped like bottles with impressively thick trunks that can reach up to 164 feet (50 m) in circumference. The baobab’s branches resemble roots sticking up into the air which is why they’re sometimes called “upside-down trees.”
Baobabs are succulent trees that can store huge amounts of water in their trunks, allowing them to survive extreme drought conditions. Their large, white flowers open at night and produce fruits filled with tart pulp and nutritious seeds.
Many animals rely on the baobab tree for food and shelter. The trees are also culturally significant across Africa, where they’re known as “tree of life.” Sadly, habitat loss threatens the survival of these magnificent trees.
Factors That Affect Baobab Growth Rates
Many elements influence how quickly a baobab sapling can transform into a mature tree. The major factors include:
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Climate and rainfall – Baobabs thrive in hot, dry environments with annual rainfall under 20 inches (500 mm). Insufficient water slows growth.
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Soil conditions – Baobabs prefer nutrient-poor, well-drained soils. Compacted or waterlogged soil inhibits root expansion.
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Sunlight – Baobabs need abundant sunlight. Those deprived of sun grow slowly and spindly.
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Age – Younger trees generally put on new growth at a faster rate than older, mature baobabs.
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Genetics – Some baobab species and specimens grow quicker than others.
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Damage – Injuries, disease, and animal grazing can stunt growth.
When conditions are optimal, baobab trees grow most rapidly during the rainy season when they can take advantage of increased moisture.
Growth Stages and Timeline to Maturity
It takes hundreds of years for a baobab tree to fully mature. Let’s go through the key stages of growth:
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0-5 years – Baobab seeds germinate and seedlings emerge with small stem bulbs and leaves. Growth is slow as roots establish, usually adding 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 m) per year.
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5-15 years – Saplings gradually put on height and girth, averaging 1-6 feet (0.3-1.8 m) per year, depending on rainfall. The first branches emerge from the main trunk.
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15-20 years – Young trees start developing the bottle-shape trunk. Growth slows to 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 m) annually as energy goes toward reproduction and fruiting.
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20-200 years – Mature baobabs continue growing upwards and outwards at slower rates of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 m) per year. They flower regularly and reach maximum height.
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200+ years – Very old baobabs focus less on vertical growth. Their trunks keep expanding in girth. Hollows often form in the oldest trees. Lifespans over 2,000 years are possible.
So in ideal settings, a baobab tree can grow over 30 feet (9 m) tall in the first 20 years. But it takes centuries more before they achieve massive proportions. The trees evolve over time to prioritize reproduction, survival, and food/water storage.
Differences Between Baobab Species
While we’ve focused on the African baobab, growth timelines vary across baobab species based on genetics and habitat:
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African baobab – The fastest growing baobab. Can reach maturity in 15-20 years and live for thousands of years.
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Madagascar baobab – Grows slower than its African cousin. Matures around 20-25 years old and survives 600 years on average.
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Australian baobab – Has the slowest growth rate, taking over 25 years to mature. It has the shortest lifespan of only 300 years.
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Monkey bread tree – Close relative of the baobab found in South America. Grows moderately fast, maturing in 20-25 years with 500+ year lifespan.
So the African baobab grows the quickest, while the Australian species is the slowest. But all baobabs are considered remarkably long-lived trees.
Threats to Baobab Growth and Survival
Sadly, baobab trees are under threat across Africa. Factors hampering their growth and survival include:
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Climate change – Increased temperatures and drought stress baobabs. Many large, ancient trees have collapsed and died in recent years.
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Overharvesting – The bark, fruits, and seeds are collected heavily for food and traditional medicine. This depletes trees.
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Habitat loss – Agricultural expansion and development destroy baobab habitats and populations.
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Damage – Herders will often strip or burn baobab bark, killing the trees. Elephants also knock them down.
To improve protection, laws now regulate baobab harvesting in many African regions. Conservationists are also cultivating baobabs in nurseries for replanting purposes. But reversing climate pressures will be key to ensuring the baobab’s future survival.
Final Thoughts
The massive baobab is one of the slowest-growing and longest-living trees on the planet. Given ideal conditions, baobabs can reach maturity and begin fruiting in 15-20 years. Yet they continue increasing in height and girth for hundreds of years as they age. The African baobab tends to grow the fastest, while the Australian species has the slowest growth rate.
Sadly, habitat destruction, overuse, and climate change threaten these iconic “upside down” trees. Improved conservation efforts are needed to protect the majestic baobab for generations to come. Their uniqueness and longevity make them a crucial part of Africa’s ecological and cultural heritage.
Video: “Baobabs – why they look the way they do…”
A short video with an attempt to explain why they look the way they do… To watch click on the photo, please.
Video: Grow Baobabs from seeds
To listen klick on photograph and follow the menu 🙂
You won’t believe how fast my Baobab tree grew: 3-year update
FAQ
How fast do baobab trees grow?
Can you grow a baobab tree in the US?
Are baobab trees slow-growing?
Do baobab trees have deep roots?
How long does a baobab tree live?
Conservation efforts to protect the baobab tree are of utmost importance due to its slow growth rate. The iconic baobab tree can reach heights of up to 30 meters and live for up to 3,000 years, but it takes 10 to 15 years to reach maturity. As a result, climate change has the potential to have a devastating effect on this species.
What is a baobab tree?
The baobab tree is an iconic species that is native to Africa, Madagascar, and Australia. It is an impressive sight that can reach heights of up to 30 metres and live for up to 3,000 years, making it one of the longest-living plants on earth. The tree is known for its unique appearance, with a thick trunk and wide, spreading branches.
How big does a baobab tree get?
They have an interesting, distinct shape and can grow up to 80 feet tall. Baobab trees are also known for their massive trunks, which can reach up to 33 feet in diameter. In addition to their impressive size and shape, baobab trees are also known for their unusual leaves and fruits. The leaves are large, leathery, and deep green in color.