Boab

(Adansonia gregorii)

Boab (Adansonia gregorii)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Adansonia gregorii image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Adansonia gregorii, commonly known as the boab, is a deciduous tree endemic to the Kimberley region of Western Australia and the western parts of the Northern Territory. It is a distinctive species with a broad, bottle-shaped trunk that can reach up to 16 feet in diameter and a height of up to 49 feet. The boab’s large white flowers bloom from December to May and are followed by large, woody, oval fruits. The bark is smooth and fibrous, capable of storing water and maintaining inscribed markings for over a century. Aboriginal Australians have traditionally used the tree for water storage, food, and medicinal purposes, and the tree holds cultural significance, including its historical use as a prison tree.

The boab is a striking ornamental tree, valued for its unique form and cultural history. It is used in landscaping for its dramatic appearance and shade-providing canopy. In cultivation, it requires a well-drained soil, full sun, and can tolerate dry conditions once established. The boab is slow-growing and can be sensitive to frost. It is not commonly affected by pests or diseases, but root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. Due to its large size and root system, it is best suited for spacious landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 16-50 feet
  • Width: 10-25 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Kimberley region of Western Australia and the western parts of the Northern Territory

Other Names

Common Names: Boab, Bottle Tree, Baobab, Baobab Bottletree, Baobab-Tree, Cream-Of-Tartar-Tree, Dead Rat Tree, Gadawon

Scientific Names: , Adansonia gregorii, Adansonia gibbosa, Adansonia gibbosa, Adansonia gregorii f. globosa, Adansonia gregorii f. typica, Adansonia rupestris, Adansonia stanburyana, Baobabus gregorii, Capparis gibbosa,

GBIF Accepted Name: