Adansonia

/ˌædænˈsoʊniə/ noun

Definition

The baobab tree, a huge African tree with an enormous trunk that can live for thousands of years.

Etymology

Named after Michel Adanson (1727–1806), a French botanist and naturalist. The genus was formally designated in his honor by later taxonomists who admired his extensive African plant research.

Kelly Says

Baobab trees are so ancient and enormous that entire villages shelter inside hollowed-out trunks, and some individual trees are over 6,000 years old! Naming the genus after Adanson was Africa's way of honoring a European botanist who actually respected the continent's botanical treasures.

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