ADANSONIA MADAGASCARIENSIS

This member of the Bombacaceae* family was given this name by Henri Ernest Baillon in 1876. It is found on the north-west to north of Madagascar, growing on the hill-sides in dry deciduous forests in a well-drained soil. Takes plenty of water and sun. The flowers which occurring in March to April, are dark red and quite big: ten centimetres. The stem can get five meters wide and 20 meters high. It can only be reproduced by seeds. The genera is n amed after the French naturalist Michel Adanson,1727-1806.

The species name mean 'from Madagascar'. *) Accordantly to the latest taxonomic system; APG IV 2016, Bombacaceae is now part of the Malvaceae. Flower from Flamingo Gardens, Florida by Barry Stock, Hollywood.