The “grotesque” baobab tree has long been known as the “tree of life” for its ability to create and maintain its own ecosystem in arid regions. Since the time of the ancient Egyptians, people have marveled at what researchers say is among “the most charismatic species on our planet,” but nobody knew where they originated from – until now.There are currently eight species of the tall and wide-trunked plants, also known as upside-down trees or “mother of the forest.” Of these groups, six species are found on Madagascar, one is found across continental Africa and another is found only in northwestern Australia.But only one of those locations is the true origin of them all.Researchers say they solved the mystery of the “spectacular trees” using the species’ DNA . In a new study published in Nature, they said all the trees came from the African island nation of Madagascar.Avenue of Baobabs in Madagascar. / Credit: Giovanni Mereghetti/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)/Madagascar, Avenue of Baobabs. (Photo by: Giovanni Mereghetti/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)Baobabs have “captivated botanists, tourists, naturalists and passers-by for centuries,” the study says. “Probably the earliest record of humans marvelling at these amazing trees can be traced back to the Ancient Egyptians, around 2,300 BC. With their grotesque appearance, enormous size, reputed longevity and diverse uses, baobabs have become one of the most charismatic species on our planet.”Nailing down that charisma was difficult. But researchers say that after picking leaves off the species and analyzing genomes, they were able to determine that their common ancestor was based in Madagascar. Over time, members of the species were radiated off the island, making hybrid species that would evolve to have different flowers that attract various other animals.”We were delighted to be involved in this pro …
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[mwai_chat context=”Let’s have a discussion about this article:nnThe “grotesque” baobab tree has long been known as the “tree of life” for its ability to create and maintain its own ecosystem in arid regions. Since the time of the ancient Egyptians, people have marveled at what researchers say is among “the most charismatic species on our planet,” but nobody knew where they originated from – until now.There are currently eight species of the tall and wide-trunked plants, also known as upside-down trees or “mother of the forest.” Of these groups, six species are found on Madagascar, one is found across continental Africa and another is found only in northwestern Australia.But only one of those locations is the true origin of them all.Researchers say they solved the mystery of the “spectacular trees” using the species’ DNA . In a new study published in Nature, they said all the trees came from the African island nation of Madagascar.Avenue of Baobabs in Madagascar. / Credit: Giovanni Mereghetti/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)/Madagascar, Avenue of Baobabs. (Photo by: Giovanni Mereghetti/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)Baobabs have “captivated botanists, tourists, naturalists and passers-by for centuries,” the study says. “Probably the earliest record of humans marvelling at these amazing trees can be traced back to the Ancient Egyptians, around 2,300 BC. With their grotesque appearance, enormous size, reputed longevity and diverse uses, baobabs have become one of the most charismatic species on our planet.”Nailing down that charisma was difficult. But researchers say that after picking leaves off the species and analyzing genomes, they were able to determine that their common ancestor was based in Madagascar. Over time, members of the species were radiated off the island, making hybrid species that would evolve to have different flowers that attract various other animals.”We were delighted to be involved in this pro …nnDiscussion:nn” ai_name=”RocketNews AI: ” start_sentence=”Can I tell you more about this article?” text_input_placeholder=”Type ‘Yes'”]
