Adansonia rubrostipa

Fony baobab

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Taxonomy

Common Names

Fony baobabBaobab fony

Context

nativeRegion

Southwestern Madagascar

usdaZones

10–12

companionPlants

Aloe species, Euphorbia species, Dracaena marginata

culturalUses

Considered sacred in Madagascar; bark, fruit, leaves, and seeds are used locally for food, medicine, and fiber.

Care

LightPrefers full sun; needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

WateringDrought-tolerant; water sparingly. Allow soil to dry between waterings.

SoilWell-draining, sandy or loamy soils with low organic matter are ideal.

FertilizerRarely needed; can benefit from a balanced fertilizer in spring if container-grown.

HumidityLow humidity is tolerated; does not require extra humidity indoors.

TemperatureSubtropical to tropical temperatures (18–35°C). Not frost-tolerant.

HabitDeciduous, thick-trunked tree with a broad canopy.

Mature SizeTypically 5–15 m in height, trunk can reach notable diameter.

Growth RateSlow-growing, especially when young.

BloomingBlooms in the dry season; large yellow flowers with orange stamens.

DormancyDormant in the dry or cool season, shedding leaves.

MethodsSeed, Cuttings

DifficultyModerate (seed coat is hard and may require scarification)

Best SeasonLate spring to early summer

PruningMinimal pruning; remove dead or damaged branches as needed.

RepottingYoung container plants can be repotted every 2–3 years; mature trees rarely need it.

Pests & DiseasesGenerally resistant, but occasionally susceptible to root rot if overwatered.

ToxicityNot considered toxic to humans or animals; fruit is sometimes edible.

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