By BBC News World
May 18, 2024, 7:39 PM EDT
Scientists have solved the mystery of the origin of ancient baobab trees.
According to DNA studies, these iconic trees first emerged in Madagascar 21 million years ago.
Subsequently, its seeds were transported by ocean currents to Australia and also to continental Africa, evolving into different species.
Researchers have called for greater efforts to conserve these trees, which they say may be closer to extinction than previously thought.
Baobabs are known as “the tree of life” or “upside down tree” for their strange shapes and longevity. And they are in danger because of climate change and widespread deforestation.
Dr Ilia Leitch, from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, worked on the study with her husband, Professor Andrew Leitch, from Queen Mary University of England.
“We have been able to identify the origin of the baobabswhich are a key and iconic species that supports a wide diversity of animals and plants, as well as humans,” the expert told the BBC.
“And the data has allowed us to provide important new knowledge that will serve as a basis to help its conservation and safeguard its future,” he added.
Researchers studied eight species of baobabsix of which are in Madagascar, one spread across Africa and another in northwest Australia.
Experts called for special measures for two endangered Malagasy species, including the largest and most famous baobab: the giant.
Baobabs are one of the most notable trees in the world and are deeply intertwined with local cultures and traditions.
They are also known as “mother of the forest” in the Malagasy language, the “upside down tree” and the “tree of life”.
Trees can live for thousands of years, grow to enormous sizes, and can store large amounts of water in their trunks to survive during dry seasons.
Its fruits are considered a superfood and its trunk can be used to make fibers that are used to make ropes or clothing.
The trees produce large white flowers that open at dusk, attracting bats as pollinators, which travel great distances to feed on their nectar, and They are important nesting sites for birds.
The research was the product of a collaboration between the Wuhan Botanical Garden (China), the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew (United Kingdom) and the universities of Antananarivo (Madagascar) and Queen Mary of London (United Kingdom).
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