Family: Malvaceae
Scientific name: Adansonia suarezensis
English name: Suarez baobab    
Origin: Madagascar

This baobab species is from the most northern area of Madagascar and only has a few small populations left. In the Mahory forest, which is part of Ankarana National Park, the largest examples can be found and the growth of young seedlings goes well in this protected nature area. In other areas however, barely any new trees grow because of habitat loss and only old trees can be found. This species is eye-catching because of its thick trunk (diameter of ~2 meter) and its horizontally growing branches. Water is stored in the trunk to survive dry periods, because it also loses its leaves in dry periods. In the growth phase the species prefers a sunny, warm place with a small amount of water given regularly. Provide a soil with good drainage that is calcium-rich.

Sowing directions: This is the most difficult to germinate species of all the baobabs. We are still trying to find out what makes it so hard to germinate these relatively large seeds. This is the method we advise for now:
Sandpaper the seeds on one place until a change of colour is visible. Then soak the seeds for 48 hours in warm water (25-30dgC) and sow them in a mix of sowing mix and sand (1:3). Keep the soil lightly moist and keep at 25-28dgC. Germination can occur within a few weeks, but can take longer and is still possible as long as the seeds are solid. 

Sowing time: All year 
Difficulty: Challenge
Minimum temperature: 12 degrees Celsius