Leslie Massey
The boab tree, or Adansonia gregorii, is an iconic tree native to Australia, specifically the Kimberley and Victoria River Regions of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. It is a low-maintenance, slow-growing tree that can reach heights of 15-20 metres and live for up to 500 years. Boab trees are easily recognised by the swollen base of their trunks, giving them a bottle-like appearance. They thrive in warm, sub-tropical to semi-arid climates with sandy, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. To grow a boab tree from seeds, the kidney-shaped seeds should be scarified with sandpaper or a file to expose their inner white layer, then soaked in warm water for several hours or overnight until the outer layer becomes soft. After drying the seeds, they can be sown into pots with a native seed-raising mix and placed in a sunny spot. Shoots should appear within a few weeks, and the trees will grow quickly during the warm summer months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Adansonia (genus) |
| Common Names | Boab, Baobab, Bodgurri, Bottletree, Cream of Tartar Tree, Gadawon, Gadawori, Gourd-Gourd Tree, Gouty Stem, Gouty Stem Tree, Jumulu, Larrgadi, Larrgadiy, Larrgardi, Larrkardiy, Larrkarti, Monkey Bread Tree, Muruwan, Sour Gourd, Sour Gourd Tree, Upside-Down Tree, Dead Rat Tree |
| Height | 5–15m, or even up to 20m |
| Foliage | Mid-green, oval, in circles of 4–5 |
| Climate | Sub-tropical, warm temperate, semi-arid, tropical |
| Soil | Sandy to sandy loam, well-drained |
| Position | Full sun, exposed position |
| Flowering | Large, white, and fragrant; appear in the wet season and open at night |
| Feeding | 6-month controlled-release fertiliser with low phosphorus |
| Watering | Only when plants are in leaf and growing over summer; withhold water from April to December |
| Seed Preparation | Soak in warm water for a day or overnight, scarify, then dry before planting |
| Seed Planting | Sow individually into 10cm pots of native seed-raising mix in late spring or early summer, placing each so it is covered by its own depth of mix |
| Seedling Care | Keep moist but not wet, provide full sun, repot as needed |
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What You'll Learn
Boab trees require a frost-free environment with low rainfall
Boab trees are native to Australia, specifically the northern regions of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. They are also found in Madagascar, mainland Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. As a tropical tree, boabs require a frost-free environment with low rainfall. They thrive in warm, sub-tropical to semi-arid climates and can grow from sea level up to about 300 metres in altitude.
The boab tree is well-adapted to low-rainfall environments due to its ability to store large amounts of water. This makes it highly drought-resistant, and it can even survive on poor soils. Boabs have a distinctive swollen base that forms a caudex, giving the tree a bottle-like appearance. They can grow quite tall, reaching a maximum height of 15-20 metres.
When growing boab trees from seeds, it is recommended to scarify the kidney-shaped seeds with sandpaper or a file to expose their inner white layer. Soaking the seeds in warm water overnight or for a couple of hours before planting can also improve germination rates. Boab seeds should then be sown individually into pots with a sandy, well-draining potting mix and placed in a sunny, warm location. The potting mix should be kept moist but not wet, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
Once the boab tree seedlings have developed, they will require regular watering during the growing season, especially during the warm summer months when they are in leaf. However, during the dry season or winter months, watering should be withheld as the tree enters dormancy. Protecting the roots from rainfall during this period is crucial to prevent root rot. Boab trees prefer sandy to sandy loam soils that drain well, and they should be planted in a full sun, exposed position.
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Seeds should be soaked, scarified, dried, and then planted
To grow an Australian boab tree from seeds, you'll need to follow these steps:
Soaking the Seeds
Soak the seeds in warm water for about a day or until the outer layer becomes soft. Some sources recommend soaking the seeds in hot water for a couple of hours. If you plan to plant in the afternoon, you can soak the seeds in a clear plastic bag of water and leave it in the sun for the day.
Scarifying the Seeds
After soaking, use sandpaper or a file to scarify the seeds and expose their inner white layer. This process helps prepare the seeds for germination.
Drying the Seeds
Before planting, dry the seeds indoors for a day. It's important that the seeds don't dry out completely during the scarification process.
Planting the Seeds
Once dried, plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix. Use native seed-raising mix and place each seed in a 10cm pot, covering it with the mix to its own depth. Place the pots in a sunny spot and keep them moist but not wet.
You should see shoots appear within 3-4 weeks. Remember, boab trees are slow-growing and can take a long time to reach their full height. They prefer warm weather and well-drained sandy soil.
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Boabs need sandy, well-drained soil
Boab trees are native to the Kimberley and Victoria River Regions of Australia, but they can grow in a variety of areas as long as they are not exposed to frost. They are a slow-growing tree, and this growth will be even slower in cooler regions.
Boabs require a well-drained, sandy soil. You may need to add coarse washed river sand to open up your soil if it is too loamy. Creating a mound and planting on top of it may be helpful if your soil doesn’t drain well. Boabs flourish in poor soils and can tolerate heat, but they require plenty of water during the growing season. They prefer drier conditions when they are dormant during the winter months.
The tree is deciduous and will lose its leaves and go into dormancy during the winter months, which is the dry season in tropical regions. New growth will normally commence around September or October, and flowers usually start to open in November.
The Boab tree is easily recognised by the swollen base of its trunk, which forms a massive caudex, giving the tree a bottle-like appearance. It is also known as the bottle tree, as well as the upside-down tree, monkey bread tree, and many other names.
To propagate from seed, you will need to scarify the kidney-shaped seed with a file and then soak it in hot water for a couple of hours. You can then plant the seed in a well-draining potting mix and leave it on a window ledge to sprout.
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A sunny, warm location is ideal
The Australian boab tree is native to the northern regions of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. It is a low-maintenance tree that grows best in a warm, sunny, and exposed location.
When choosing a location to plant your boab tree, look for the sunniest and hottest spot available. Boab trees thrive in full sun and warm weather. They require a well-drained sandy soil with plenty of water during the growing season but prefer drier conditions during their dormant period in winter.
The boab tree is deciduous and will lose its leaves during the dry season, usually around April. It remains leafless for nine months of the year and starts producing new leaves in late spring to early summer. During this time, the tree requires daily watering from the start of leaf production until leaf drop. After leaf drop, water should be withheld.
To protect the roots from excess moisture during the rainy season, you can encircle the trunk with plastic sheeting. Choose a location that does not experience frost, as boab trees are sensitive to cold temperatures. They grow best in sub-tropical, warm temperate, and semi-arid climates.
With the right care and conditions, your boab tree will flourish and provide a unique addition to your garden.
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Fertilise at the beginning of summer
Fertilising your boab tree is an important step in the process of growing this iconic tree from seeds. Here is a detailed guide to help you fertilise your boab tree at the beginning of summer:
Choose the Right Fertiliser
Select a 6-month controlled-release native fertiliser with low phosphorus (less than 3%). This type of fertiliser will provide the necessary nourishment for the tree to thrive throughout the growing season and into the next dormant period.
Timing is Key
Fertilise your boab tree at the beginning of summer, which coincides with the wet season. This is when new growth typically appears on the tree. By fertilising at this time, you are providing the tree with the nutrients it needs to support this new growth.
Fertiliser Application
When applying the fertiliser, follow the instructions on the package for proper dosage and application methods. Ensure that the fertiliser is evenly distributed around the tree's root zone.
Watering
Watering is crucial in conjunction with fertilising. Boab trees require plenty of water during the growing season, so ensure that you provide adequate water during the summer months. However, be mindful that boab trees also prefer drier conditions during their dormant period in winter, so adjust your watering habits accordingly.
Soil Considerations
Boab trees thrive in sandy to sandy loam soils that drain well. If your soil is too dense or doesn't drain well, consider adding coarse washed river sand to improve drainage. Creating a mound and planting the tree on top can also help with drainage.
Seed Preparation
Before planting your boab tree seeds, there are a few important steps to take. First, soak the kidney-shaped seeds in warm water for about a day or until the outer layer becomes soft. Then, use sandpaper to scarify the seeds, exposing their inner white layer. Finally, dry the seeds indoors for a day before planting them in the late spring or early summer.
By following these steps and fertilising your boab tree at the beginning of summer, you'll be well on your way to successfully growing this unique and iconic Australian tree.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian boab trees grow best in sandy to sandy loam soil that drains well.
The best time to plant Australian boab seeds is in late spring or early summer.
Water your Australian boab tree daily from the time it starts producing new leaves until leaf drop, after which water should be withheld.
Australian boab trees can grow to a maximum height of 15-20 meters.
