Baobab Tree

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About Baobab Tree:

It is a long-lived deciduous, small to large tree with broad trunks and compact tops which is also known as the upside-down tree.
Distribution:
- There are 9 species of baobab tree. Two are native to mainland Africa, six to Madagascar, and one to Australia.
- Mandu, in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, is perhaps the only place in India where baobab trees are found in abundance.
Features:
- It can live to become thousands of years old.
- They only have very faint growth rings. Mature trees have massive trunks that are bottle-shaped or cylindrical and tapered from bottom to top.
- The fruit of the tree is round or oval-shaped and is highly nutritious.
- It is also known as ‘Tree of Life’
Ecological significance
- Baobabs are keystone species in Madagascar’s unique landscapes.
- Their massive trunks and extensive root systems are vital for storing water in arid environments, providing a critical resource for both the trees and the surrounding ecosystem during drought periods.
- This ability to store water enables baobabs to support a wide array of life, from microorganisms to larger animals, fostering biodiversity in their habitats.

Q1: What are keystone species?

It is an organism that helps define an entire ecosystem. Without its keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether. Keystone species have low functional redundancy.

Source: Baobab reforestation efforts show rapid impact in Madagascar