The baobab tree, also known as the “tree of life”, has long been a mysterious species with an unknown origin. It is found in certain parts of Africa, Madagascar, and Australia.
A new genetic study was able to trace the origin of all baobab species to the island nation of Madagascar. The trees first evolved there and then some were dispersed to other regions over time through hybridization and long-distance travel.
Baobabs are unusual and massive trees with bottle-shaped trunks that can store water. They play a crucial ecological role and support many other species. However, several baobab species are now threatened by climate change, low genetic diversity, and increasing deaths in parts of Africa.
The DNA-based study provided clarity on the evolution and dispersal of baobabs starting from their common ancestral home in Madagascar. It also has implications for re-evaluating their conservation status given new threats. Researchers hope to better protect these ecologically important and iconic tree species found across multiple continents.
Source: CBS News
