Stars over a Boab Tree, Western Australia [1024 x 723] [OC]Submitted by VLWphotography t3_yrdpqe in EarthPorn
dbatchison t1_ivtsj7c wrote
I know these grow in Madagascar, didn't know they were in Australia too
a_paz t1_ivu2cgm wrote
The idea is that either the seeds floated over to Aus from Madagascar cause they’re mainly found in northern WA. Potentially have also been brought over by African ancestors because the fruit was valued.
https://theconversation.com/amp/iconic-boab-trees-trace-journeys-of-ancient-aboriginal-people-39565
savings2015 t1_ivufk7m wrote
That is an absolutely fascinating article. Thank you for sharing it!
OneLostOstrich t1_ivvkf2x wrote
I've grown 1400 of them. There was a time when you could almost walk over to Australia from Sri Lanka within the past 50,000 years. They could have floated over or been carried over.
Individual_Lake9409 t1_ivwcteq wrote
You’ve grown 1400? Why? If you don’t mind me asking
OneLostOstrich t1_ivwf6bp wrote
Well, they are awesome, aren't they? Why wouldn't I?
https://i.imgur.com/qcb2fJM.jpg
Individual_Lake9409 t1_ivwhng0 wrote
Yes, they are. What’s the biggest one you have grown? Thanks!
OneLostOstrich t1_ivx8bqw wrote
Just about a meter high. There are ones that I distributed and have been planted all around Namibia 10 years ago that I know nothing about. Hopefully, they should be bigger.
Individual_Lake9409 t1_ivyiwbj wrote
That’s awesome. Thanks for doing your part. You’ve done something that will help the planet and local ecosystems. People and animals will be able to enjoy your work for generations. Thank you.
OneLostOstrich t1_ivyk9cb wrote
: )
Here is a box of 75 of 2 year old seedlings. You can take them out of soil during their dormant period.
mw19078 t1_ivu4b6r wrote
They called them upside down trees when I was in Tanzania years ago
Not_Leopard_Seal t1_ivuqod8 wrote
Yeah there is a whole legend about them.
So the baobab was gods favorite but was also a bit needy. So they asked god for the thickest stem and god did give it to them. But they wanted even more and asked for the finest and nicest fruits, so god did also give them those. But the baobab, still wanting more, continued to ask for the most green and lush leaves. So god got a bit annoyed, ripped the tree out of the ground and planted it upside down again as punishment.
jerseybert t1_ivviqhu wrote
I saw plenty of them in Tanzania.
OneLostOstrich t1_ivvk7e4 wrote
They are in Africa, Madagascar and Australia.
The Madagascar ones are amazing.
jjolla888 t1_ivujbp2 wrote
wasn't the west of Australia bumped up right next to Madagascar back in the Paleozoic era?
Vindepomarus t1_ivv5ga8 wrote
No Madagascar was wedged between Africa and India when the Pangaea supercontinent existed, Australia was connected to Antarctica. This was also way, way before these trees or their ancestors had evolved.
dbatchison t1_ivum7m9 wrote
No idea
bluephoenix0383 t1_ivvjcor wrote
We have I believe 2 in Barbados as well.
obviousdscretion t1_ivvggum wrote
There's also a single one growing on St John island in the USVI.
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