THE BOAB: AUSTRALIA’S ISOLATED ADANSONIA

Abstract

The boab is regarded as an icon of the Kimberley region in north Western Australia. Its presence there, as Australia’s only representative of the genus Adansonia, which is widely-represented in Africa-Madagascar by several species, has often aroused scientific and other interest. Spiritually and practically the tree is of great importance to the indigenous people of the area and recent commercialisation of both fruits (as carved souvenirs) and young tap roots (for a gourmet food item) add to its status. This article includes a brief description of the environment of the Kimberley, theories about how the boab became established there and its scientific discovery, naming and some of its botanical features. Also mentioned is the significance of the boab in the culture of the indigenous people.