Adansonia gregorii (Australian Baobab, Boab Baobab, Sour Gourd, Sour-gourd Tree, Cream of Tartar Tree, Monkey Bread Tree, Upside Down Tree, Baobab, Babob Tree, Gouty Stem Tree, Bottle Tree, Dead Rat Tree, Gadawon)

Botanical Information

FamilyMalvaceae
GenusAdansonia
Speciesgregorii
SynonymsBaobabus gregorii, Gossampinus heptaphylla, Baobab gregorii, Adansonia stanburyana, Bombax ceiba var. ceiba, Adansonia gregorii f. globosa
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginAustralia.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		Root fibres are made into string. The fruit is edible and the seeds are ground into a paste. The wood has been used for boxes. The tap root is edible and can be used in the production of red dye. The seeds produce an edible oil. Medicinally the leaves can be used for gastrointestinal upset and rickets or as an ingredient in cosmetics. The pollen is used in the production of glue.

Details

USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneCool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)13 - 39
Height5 - 12
Spread15 - 16 m
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

PropagationSeed, sown in October and will germinate in about 3 weeks. Plant in pots. Must be grown to 1 m in height before transplanting to their final location.
HabitatFound from sea level to 400 m. Open forests, monsoon forests and rocky areas.
Bark/Stem DescriptionTrunk is bottle shaped.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaf blades are 6.5 - 12 in length, 2.5 - 4.5 cm wide are sessile and short stalked. The leaflet base is attenuate, apex acuminate with 5 - 8 leaflets comprising each compound leaf. The midrib is raised on the upper surface of the leaflet. The stipules are narrow, triangular and 5 mm in length. Terminating in a fine point. The terminal buds and young shoots are tomentose. Leafless for a period from July to October.
Flower DescriptionThe flowers are quite large and open at night. They calyx is 6 cm long with spathulate petals which are 12 cm in length.
Fruit DescriptionThe fruit is globular to ellipsoid in shape, 10 cm long and 4 cm wide. The seeds are reniform, 10 mm in length and 8 mm wide and are surrounded by a mealy, acidulous and edible pulp.
Colour DescriptionThe bark is grey.
Texture DescriptionThe bark is smooth. The fruit has a velvety texture.

Photographs