Mysteries of Baobab trees solved! Genomic study reveals dispersion from Madagascar to Africa, Australia

Baobabs, the iconic trees native to Madagascar, are known for their distinctive swollen trunk, which can store water to help the tree survive in arid climates. They can live for thousands of years and play important ecological roles in their habitats, providing food, shelter, and water for various animals and insects.

The migration of baobab trees from Madagascar to mainland Africa and Australia was an intriguing botanical puzzle that researchers have been exploring for many years. However, a recent study has finally provided an answer to this.The research, employing genomic analyses alongside ecological and geological data, has shed light on its origins and dispersion.

According to the findings, the baobab lineage originated in Madagascar approximately 21 million years ago. It extended its reach to Africa and Australia within the past 12 million years. Two baobab lineages that became extinct in Madagascar managed to establish themselves - one in Africa and the other in Australia.

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It is believed that baobab seed pods floated from Madagascar to mainland Africa, about 250 miles to the west, and to Australia, spanning over 4,000 miles to the east.

One of the authors of the studyTao Wan said,"The plants almost certainly got to Africa and Australia floating on or with vegetation rafts."Wan elaborated that the Indian Ocean gyre likely facilitated the long-distance dispersal to Australia, carrying baobab seed pods from Madagascar through its current paths.

Massive trunks with over 26,400 gallons of water

Study co-author Andrew Leitch of Queen Mary University of London said, "The trees have astonishing and distinctive growth forms, some species with massive trunks that are hollow cylinders of low-quality wood ramified with many water-filled living cells. Some of the largest and oldest trees in Australia have been estimated to hold more than 100,000 litres(26,400 gallons) of water."

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Besides their practical uses, baobabs have cultural significance in many African societies."The people of Kafue in Africa have a legend that four beautiful maidens used a tree for shade and the tree fell in love with them," Wan said.

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"But the maidens fell in love with humans, so the tree got jealous and imprisoned them in its trunk, where they remain to this day. People say you can hear them still, I guess because the hollow center acts as some sort of sound chamber in some trees," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)