In this article, we will explore ten incredible trees in Madagascar that showcase the island’s extraordinary flora and its remarkable adaptation to diverse environments. From the iconic baobabs to the mystical dragon’s blood tree, these majestic specimens offer a glimpse into the wonders of Madagascar’s rich and fascinating natural heritage. Join us on this journey as we discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Madagascar’s native trees and unravel the secrets hidden within their branches.
Table of Contents
What is Madagascar?
Madagascar is an island country located off the southeastern coast of Africa. It is the fourth largest island in the world and is situated in the Indian Ocean. Madagascar is known for its unique biodiversity, with a high number of plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from various ethnic groups, including the Malagasy people who are the predominant ethnic group. The capital city of Madagascar is Antananarivo, and the official languages are Malagasy and French. The economy is mainly agrarian, with agriculture, fishing, and ecotourism playing significant roles.
Top 10 Trees in Madagascar to see in 2023
1. Za Baobab (Andasonia Za Baill)
Madagascar is home to nine species of the baobab tree, seven of which can only be found on this island. Among these species is the za baobab, which has a characteristic wide base that tapers to a narrower crown towering between 33 to 131 feet high. One of the most fascinating features of this iconic tree is its thick trunk that can reach over 20 feet in width. Experts believe that baobabs store water in their trunks, explaining why they tend to shrink during the dry months.
Baobab trees are truly fascinating, with their unique deciduous and palmately leaves typically featuring 5 to 11 leaflets. However, what truly sets them apart are their large white flowers which open at dusk with such speed that the petals move before your very eyes. Although open flowers are spent by the morning, the tree remains largely unaffected due to the abundance of flowers ensuring successful pollination.
2. Madagascar Banana Tree (Ensete perrieri Cheesman)
The Madagascar banana tree, a rare and precious species of banana, is under threat due to rampant deforestation in western Madagascar. With only five mature trees in existence, the situation is dire. However, scientists are optimistic that the Madagascar banana could help save the more common Cavendish banana crop from fungal diseases that have decimated the industry.
The rare banana tree with a bluish-waxy trunk and yellow midribs on its fronds is an incredible find for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. This remarkable plant grows in the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, a protected area managed by Madagascar National Parks. The reserve is home to a plethora of unique flora and fauna, many of which are endangered. It’s essential to ensure that these rare plants and animals are protected and thrive in their natural habitat.
3. Bismarck Palm (Bismarckia nobilis)
The Bismarck palm, also known as satrana, plays an essential role in Madagascar’s local communities. Its sturdy wood is used to construct homes, while its verdant fronds serve as exceptional thatch, mats, and baskets. Stretching up to an impressive 60 feet and spreading over 16 feet, this tree’s white trunk and steely blue fronds make it a sight to behold. In the hotter months, the palm’s crown base comes alive with cascading flowers and fruits that provide nourishment for insects, birds, and small mammals.
The Bismarck palm, a native tree species of Madagascar, is a true wonder to behold. It’s not only pleasing to the eye, but it also holds great value in its usefulness. This incredible palm tree is known for its magnificent silver-gray foliage and vibrant crown of leaves, which can reach up to 10 feet in diameter. However, despite its beauty, this palm tree is critically endangered due to the dense forest clearing in Madagascar’s north and west areas.
4. Octopus Tree (Didierea madagascariensis Baill)
Endemic to the dry southwestern Madagascan forests is an incredible tree that has earned the name Octopus tree. This peculiar plant boasts a 1.5-foot trunk that is dwarfed by its numerous spiky branches reaching up to a towering 13-19 feet (4-6 meters). The Octopus tree prefers thorny thickets of undisturbed well-drained soil and is a succulent shrub or tree with sparse deciduous leaves. What sets this tree apart from the rest is its drought resistance and tough exterior, appearing like a mass of spike-encrusted branches.
5. Tahina Palm (Tahina spectabilis)
The recently discovered Tahina palm has quickly become the center of conservation efforts due to its critically endangered status. Found only in the northwestern region of Madagascar, this palm reaches incredible heights of 59 feet with fronds spanning 16 feet in length. Its trunk bears unique leaf scars and maintains a slender 20-inch width. Adding to its rarity, the Tahina palm blooms only once every 30-50 years, leading to its eventual death. The tree’s survival is further threatened by its preference for growing near limestone hill bases that are seasonally flooded, earning it the nickname “suicidal palm.” Conservationists and enthusiasts alike are working tirelessly to protect and preserve this incredible species, currently housed at the Mahajanga Reniala Park.
6. Tapia (Uapaca bojeri Baill)
Tapia, commonly found in the central highlands of Madagascar, is a species that thrives in dry forests. Although it can grow up to 33-39 feet tall, it is more common to find it about half that height. The tree has a distinctive thick, fire-resistant, furrowed brown bark with oval-shaped leaves that are a leathery green. Its wide crown becomes adorned with dense balled flowers from March to September, maturing into drupe fruits up to 1.18 inches long. Local communities and wildlife depend on the valuable resources provided by Tapia’s sweet fruits and mushrooms, which attract wild borocera silkworms.
7. Rosewood (Dalbergia maritime)
Dalbergia maritima, commonly known as Madagascan rosewood, is a stunning tree in the Fabaceae family, with bright green leaves and a majestic crown reaching 60 feet in height and 40 feet in width. The timber of this hardwood tree is particularly precious, especially the Bois de rose variety, with its rich red-purple hue. Despite the moratorium on trading, illegal logging of Madagascan rosewood is still a major problem. This precious tree is in high demand, making it one of the most trafficked species in the world. The continued illegal logging, however, has a devastating impact not only on the species but also on the local communities that rely on the forest for their livelihoods.
8. Mangrove Tree (Rhizophora mucronate)
Madagascar’s mangrove swamps are home to a diverse ecosystem that is teeming with life. One tree, in particular, stands out among the several species that make up this unique environment – the Rhizophora mucronata tree. But it’s not just the trees that make these swamps spectacular. The mangrove swamps play an essential role in the lives of migratory birds, fish, crabs, turtles, dugongs, and crocodiles.
Rhizophora mucronata is a magnificent evergreen tree that stands tall, with a height that can reach up to 82 feet, thanks to its extraordinary aerial roots. These aerial roots are not only visually striking but also serve as stilts in the water, giving the trunk stability and preventing it from sinking. The tree’s leaves are elliptical, several inches long, and have warty undersides, making them a delicacy for crabs. Moreover, this tree produces clusters of creamy flowers that add to its unique beauty during the warmer months.
Mangrove trees are a crucial part of coastal ecosystems, providing numerous benefits to both the environment and local communities. Apart from helping to prevent coastal erosion, these trees also boast edible fruits that can be used to make wine. In addition, the wood of the mangrove tree is an important resource for making fish traps. However, despite the vast advantages these trees bring, they are becoming endangered due to extensive farming and mineral extraction projects.
9. Ebony (Diospyros gracilipes)
Diospyros gracilipes, also known as Madagascar ebony, is a small tree that grows in the northern and eastern forests of the island. Its dark, almost black timber gives it the name ebony. Unfortunately, this native species is under threat from illegal logging. Ebony is a slow-growing plant that thrives in a humid evergreen forest, and its significance goes beyond its exquisite appearance.
The tree in question boasts a quite distinctive appearance. With its rounded crown of alternate, simple leaves and small, delicate flowers emerging in the springtime, it becomes quite the sight to behold. But what elevates this tree above and beyond is perhaps what follows the blooming of its flowers: the maturation into an ovoid berry that is covered in a fine, white powder. These unique berries have proven to be highly valued amongst forest fauna, serving as a vital resource to both birds and lemurs who rely on them to disperse the tree’s seeds.
10. Traveler’s Tree (Ravenala madagascariensis)
Found only in Madagascar, the Ravenala madagascariensis is a remarkable flowering tree that certainly stands out. Its unique crown of gigantic fan paddle leaves, which resemble the peacock’s tail, can reach up to 100 feet tall! And the fanned crowns hold as many as 35 leaves, all connected to long yellow stalks. But it’s not just its physical appearance that makes it interesting. The traveler tree, as it’s often called, has the ability to accumulate water in its leaf bases, providing an easy source of hydration for thirsty travelers. In addition, the east-west line in which the leaf fans grow helps the tree act as a natural compass for wanderers. Truly one of nature’s wonders.
What makes these flowers stand out are their unusual white blooms that bring to mind the striking beauty of bird of paradise flowers. Not only do they have a pleasing appearance, but they also serve as a vital source of nectar for lemurs, who are the primary pollinators of Saintrelia flowers. Once pollinated, these flowers produce blue seeds that are marvelously bright and a true sight to behold.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ten listed trees native to Madagascar showcase the island’s remarkable botanical diversity and its status as a haven for unique and extraordinary plant species. From the iconic baobabs and ravishing rosewoods to the mystical dragon’s blood tree and graceful palms, each tree represents a living testament to Madagascar’s natural wonders. However, these magnificent trees also face threats such as deforestation and habitat loss. It is crucial for us to appreciate and protect these treasures, promoting sustainable practices and conservation efforts. By preserving the rich tapestry of Madagascar’s trees, we can ensure their survival and contribute to the preservation of the island’s remarkable ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.
Reference
- https://news.mongabay.com/2020/01/madagascar-launches-massive-planting-drive-eyes-60-million-trees/
- https://www.afrik21.africa/en/madagascar-the-government-denounced-for-its-inaction-against-deforestation/
- https://a-z-animals.com/blog/incredible-trees-native-to-madagascar/
Zahra Makda
Growing up enjoying the beauty of my village, a good passion for nature developed in me from childhood. Following my passion for the natural world, I have chosen zoology for my graduation, during my undergraduate degree, I participated in many nature trails, bird watching, rescues, training for wildlife conservation, workshop, and seminars on biodiversity. I have a keen interest in invertebrate biology, herpetology, and ornithology. Primary interests include studies on taxonomy, ecology, habitat and behavior.
