Adansonia gregorii – Boab (seed)

Description

Adansonia gregorii, commonly known as the boab, it is a tree in the family Malvaceae. As with other baobabs, it is easily recognised by the swollen base of its trunk, which gives the tree a bottle-like appearance. Endemic to Australia, boab occurs in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, and east into the Northern Territory. It is the only baobab to occur in Australia, the others being native to Madagascar (six species) and mainland Africa and the Arabian Peninsula (one species). From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adansonia_gregorii.

The Australian Boab is very closely related to the African species, A. digitata. It has been suggested that it may have been brought to Australia around 75,000-60,000 years ago by humans (Origins of the Australian Boab (Adansonia gregorii), Claudia Vickers, UQ, Australia).

The Boab is a very useful tree. The young seedlings are starting to be used as a culinary item in modern Australian cuisine. The taproot that develops early on can be eaten and is quite tasty. The leaves are also edible. The roots are a useful source of water in survival conditions. The pith surrounding the seeds is also edible and tasty in a sweet, dry and powdery sort of way.

Care and Cultivation of Adansonia gregorii

Nick Adansonia gregorii seed coat so water can be imbibed and swell the seed, beginning the germination process. Other treatments that work include hot water treatment and no treatment at all! Plant 1-2cm under the surface of a good seed raising mix and place in full sun. Well drained soil is a must for this species. Germinates best when minimum temperatures are above 20ºC. Keep moist until germination. A drought tolerant, beautiful and hardy species suitable for most gardens from teh subtropical zones northwards. Can be kept dry over winter in colder zones and makes a great succulent bonsai.

5 seeds per packet