Help us map the baobab genome!

Join the citizen-science project that plans to sequence the DNA of baobab trees around the world

Ancient Baobabs Are Dying

A recent survey of baobab trees across several countries in southern Africa found that most of the two dozen oldest and biggest trees have died or significantly deteriorated in the last decade and scientists don’t know why.

Due to its multiple uses, its high nutritional and medicinal value, drought tolerance and relatively easy cultivation, the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) has been identified as one of the most important edible forest trees to be conserved, domesticated and valued in Africa.

The tree’s natural geographical distribution comprises most of tropical Africa, but also small patches of southern Arabia, and several Atlantic and Indian Ocean islands surrounding the African continent, notably including Madagascar where a number of distinct species may be found.

A Map of the Baobab Genome

DNA sequencing and other ‘high-throughput’ technologies together with and new methods for analysis are enabling researchers to measure the traits (phenotypes) of plants on a large scale. By sequencing the DNA of each baobab tree, we ensure that the genetic diversity of this amazing species is understood and preserved. With your help, the Baobab Genome Project will create the world’s largest database of baobabs gathering the global geographic and genetic distribution data that will lead to important discoveries that will the ensure the future of the baobab.

“The World's next great superfood.”

Today, baobab fruit and baobab powder is widely recognized as a superfood — and for good reasons. But its super powers are nothing new. The leaves, fruit, bark, and seeds have been used for centuries to treat many ailments, such as fever, microbial infections, diarrhea, and anemia.

Levi Yant

University of Nottingham

Most Useful Tree

Baobab’s Latin name, Adansonia digitata, honors , Michel Adanson (1727-1806), the French botanist who concluded that of all trees he studied, the Baobab, “is probably the most useful tree in all”.
~ Michel Andanson

Tree of Life

Known as the “tree of life”, it holds a special status and role in the traditions and livelihoods of communities across Africa providing shelter and wood, cloth and rope, food and water for human inhabitants and animals of the African Savannah regions.

African Superfood

Malnutrition in many African nations underlies generational cycles of human underdevelopment. Baobab is a prime example of a neglected crop, rich in vitamins, essential minerals and other micronutrients important for a healthful diet. The fruit, seeds and leaves all have immense nutritional and medicinal value.

Get Involved!

It’s easy for you to become part of the Baobab Genome Project.
Next time you are traveling in any of the regions where baobab trees grow and you come across one, take a geotagged photo of it with your phone and fill out a few other details in our intake form. If you are the first to add a new tree to our database you will be credited.

Baobab Map

See the location of baobab trees that are currently in our database. If you find a new one, please add it to our map by clicking on the Add A Baobab button at the top of the page.