A groundbreaking study conducted by the Wuhan Botanical Garden (WBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has unveiled new insights into the origin and evolution of baobab trees, an iconic species native to Madagascar.
The baobab tree, known for its massive trunk and longevity of over 2,000 years, plays a vital role in local communities by providing food, water, and shelter. Beyond its ecological significance, the baobab holds substantial cultural and economic importance in the region.
Published on Wednesday in the journal Nature, the study was led by scientists from the WBG and the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center. The research team performed comprehensive genomic analyses on the whole genome sequences of all eight existing baobab species. This extensive examination revealed critical aspects of the baobab lineage’s origin and evolutionary history.
The findings of this study not only deepen the understanding of baobab trees but also contribute to the broader knowledge of plant evolution and biodiversity in Madagascar, an area renowned for its unique flora and fauna.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
