Adansonia gregorii

Adansonia gregorii

A boab tree in Derby, Western Australia

Adansonia gregorii, commonly known as the boab, is a species of tree in the family Malvaceae. It is native to the northwestern regions of Australia, particularly in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Description

Adansonia gregorii is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15 meters in height. It is characterized by its swollen trunk, which can store large amounts of water, allowing it to survive in arid conditions. The trunk is often bottle-shaped, which is a distinctive feature of the species.

The leaves of the boab are compound, with 5 to 7 leaflets, and are shed during the dry season. The flowers are large, white, and fragrant, blooming during the wet season. The fruit is a large, woody capsule containing numerous seeds.

Habitat

The boab tree is typically found in open woodland and savanna regions. It thrives in well-drained soils and is often seen in areas with a distinct wet and dry season. The tree is well adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of northern Australia.

Cultural significance

The boab tree holds significant cultural importance for the Indigenous peoples of Australia. It is often featured in Aboriginal Australian art and stories. The tree is also known for its use as a source of food and medicine. The seeds, leaves, and roots are edible and have been traditionally used by Indigenous Australians.

Notable specimens

One of the most famous boab trees is the Boab Prison Tree, located near Derby, Western Australia. This tree is believed to have been used as a temporary holding cell for Indigenous prisoners in the late 19th century.

Gallery

• Boab tree near Kununurra, Western Australia

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  Adansonia gregorii

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  Boab tree in February, Kimberley region

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  The Boab Prison Tree

• Boab in Timber Creek, Northern Territory

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  Boab in Nitmiluk, Northern Territory

• Boab by the Katherine River

• Adansonia gregorii at sunset

Related pages

• Baobab
• Malvaceae
• Kimberley (Western Australia)
• Aboriginal Australian culture

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  Adansonia gregorii

• Adansonia gregorii

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  Adansonia gregorii

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  Adansonia gregorii

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  Adansonia gregorii

• Adansonia gregorii

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  Adansonia gregorii

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  Adansonia gregorii

• Adansonia gregorii