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Za baobab (Adansonia za)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Za baobab

Intermediate

Adansonia za

A Madagascan baobab with a brownish-rose trunk that is widest at the base and tapers upward. The most widespread of Madagascar's endemic baobabs, it opens yellow and red flowers at the start of the wet season.

Growing Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
10〜35℃
Lifespan
Long-lived woody plant (little published data)
Size
10–40 m tall with a trunk about 6 m across in the wild; stays small in a pot
Watering
Regular feeding in the growing season

About

Adansonia za is a deciduous tree in the Malvaceae, endemic to southern and north-western Madagascar. Six of the eight baobab species are Madagascan endemics, and this is the most widespread of them. It grows in arid scrub, deciduous forest, savanna and spiny forest, preferring sunny, well-drained sites up to 800 m. The epithet comes from its Malagasy name, za. It is a thick-trunked tree 10–40 m tall and about 6 m across, with trunk and branches of a brownish-rose hue; the trunk is widest at the base and narrows noticeably upward. The palmate leaves have five to eight leaflets 5–10 cm long. The flower buds are long green cylinders that resemble oversized beans; they open with or soon after the leaves at the start of the wet season, revealing yellow and red petals and long yellowish stamens. The flowers are sweetly scented and pollinated by hawkmoths. The ovoid fruits, 10–30 cm long, have a tough, blackish shell. The IUCN Red List category is Least Concern, though populations are becoming fragmented through habitat loss and logging. In Japan seedlings are sold online, along with variegated plants and seed.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Za baobab

The Za baobab grows to 10–40 m tall with a trunk about 6 m across in the wild; stays small in a pot.

Basic Info

Origin

Southern and north-western Madagascar

Lifespan

Long-lived woody plant (little published data)

Size

10–40 m tall with a trunk about 6 m across in the wild; stays small in a pot

Temperature

10〜35℃

Watering & Fertilizer

Regular feeding in the growing season

Growing Tips

Light & Placement

It prefers sunny positions; give it plenty of sun during the growing season.

Watering

A tree of dry country: even in the growing season water only when the mix has dried, and avoid soggy soil.

Temperature & Overwintering

A tree from tropical Madagascar with little published data on cold tolerance; bring it into a bright, warm room for winter and keep it dry while leafless.

Soil & Repotting

Plant in a well-drained mix.

Pests & Cautions

Variegated plants are also sold in Japan; with less chlorophyll they tend to grow more slowly, so do not push them.

CaudexBaobabMadagascarSeed-grown

Za baobab FAQ

QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Za baobab?
A

Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.

QHow large does Za baobab get?
A

The mature size of Za baobab is 10–40 m tall with a trunk about 6 m across in the wild; stays small in a pot. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.

QHow should I water and fertilize Za baobab?
A

Za baobab: watering & fertilizer — Regular feeding in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.

QWhat is the typical price for Za baobab?
A

The price of Za baobab varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.

Last updated: September 23, 2026

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team

The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Adansonia za Baill.

Synonyms: Adansonia alba Jum. & H.Perrier

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in CITES (checked on Species+). No special procedure is needed for transfers within Japan.

Sources: Species+ (CITES): Adansonia za / IUCN Red List category via GBIF: Adansonia za

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.

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