Family: Malvaceae
Scientific name: Adansonia rubrostipa
Common name: Fony baobab
Origin: Madagascar

The Fony baobab is the smallest baobab species in Madagascar, but also the oldest. The oldest specimen is estimated to be 1600 years old and grows on the west coast of the island. The thick, swollen trunk can grow 5 meters wide and up to about 20 meters high. Usually, however, the tree is somewhat smaller at 4 to 5 meters. The trunk is used as a water reservoir to withstand dry periods and has a characteristic bottle shape. In nature, this species forms beautiful flowers that are pollinated by a stingray butterfly. In the Netherlands we can keep the baobab as a houseplant in a sunny spot. It does well in a pot and can be pruned after a while. 

Sowing directions: Sand the seeds in 1 spot with sandpaper and then let them soak for 24 hours in lukewarm water. Sow in seeding and cutting soil and allow to germinate at 20-25 degrees Celsius. Keep the soil slightly moist constantly. Germination usually occurs after a few weeks, but can follow as long as the seeds are hard. 

Sowing time: Year round
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 10 degrees Celsius