Scientists conducted a DNA analysis of Madagascar’s iconic baobab tree. Adansonia Two trees, officially re-establishing the name given to the tree over a century ago. This increased the number of endemic baobab species on the island from six to seven.
The baobab, with its swollen trunk and umbrella-like branches, is a well-known tree in Madagascar, housing six of the world’s eight baobab species (with one on the African continent and one in northwestern Australia).
Despite its fame, questions about the number of baobab species and their relationships have remained unanswered for years.
“The baobab tree, genus Adansonia, is an iconic and ecologically important plant in Madagascar,” said Dr. Nisa Karimi and colleagues at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
“Currently, eight species are recognized in this genus, with six species endemic to Madagascar (Adansonia grandidieri, Adansonia madagascariensis, Adansonia perieri, Adansonia rubrostipa, Adansonia Suarezensis, and Adansonia).”
“The biogeographic and diversification history of baobabs has been previously investigated using genomic data, but the results have been conflicting.”
Researchers used targeted sequencing techniques to study hundreds of genes and complete chloroplast genomes from baobab trees across Madagascar.
Genetic data revealed distinct populations among the baobab species, leading to the elevation of the northern population to full species status – adansonia bogie.
Dr. Karimi mentioned that “adansonia bogie is more closely related to two other groups from northern Madagascar than the species it was previously synonymous with.”
Adansonia bogie is found in the Sambirano River region of Antsiranana province, northwestern Madagascar.
Baobabs of Madagascar: (A) Approximate range of the six species of baobabs in Madagascar. Analyzed samples are indicated on the map by colored dots. Asterisks indicate sample individuals of possible hybrid origin based on morphological characteristics that are intermediate between the two currently recognized species. (B) Images of six species of baobab trees, flowers, and fruits endemic to Madagascar. (C) Photograph of the flower of possibility Adansonia × Adansonia perieri Individual; (D) Putative photo Adansonia rubrostipa × Adansonia madagascariensis Individual. Image credit: Karimi others., doi:10.1002/tax.70176.
Adansonia bogie is likely to be classified as an endangered species due to deforestation in the San Villano Basin.
The findings of the team were published in a journal on July 12th.
_____
Nisa Karimi others. 2026. Phylogenetic analysis of Madagascar baobabs reveals mixed populations and supports the resurgence of previously described species. Taxonomic group 75 (4): e70176;doi: 10.1002/tax.70176
Source: www.sci.news
