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Madagascan Baobabs


Madagascan Baobabs
Photo Information
Copyright: James Parker (Jamesp) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1251 W: 0 N: 4829] (14332)
Genre: Plants
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-03-31
Categories: Trees
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/640 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-03-24 13:03
Viewed: 1287
Points: 28
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The baobab (Adansonia), or monkey bread tree are a genus of eight species of trees, native to Madagascar (the centre of diversity, with six species), and mainland Africa and Australia (one species in each). The mainland African species also occurs in Madagascar, but it is not a native of that country. The species reach heights of between 5–25 m (exceptionally 30 m) tall, and up to 7 m (exceptionally 11 m) in trunk diameter. They are noted for storing water inside the swollen trunk, with the capacity to store up to 120,000 litres of water to endure the harsh drought conditions particular to each region. All occur in seasonally arid areas, and are deciduous, shedding their leaves during the dry season. Some are reputed to be many thousands of years old, though as the wood does not produce annual growth rings, this is impossible to verify; as a result few botanists give any credence to these claims of extreme age.

This species is Adansonia Suarezensis - Until recently the species was thought to be restricted to the northern tip of Madagascar around the Baie d'Antsiranana. A subpopulation has since been found further south in Mahory Forest between Ankarana and Analamera Reserves.

Individuals are found in local abundance but are regenerating healthily only in Mahory.

Its natural habitat is deciduous forest on limestone, although small trees are also found in disturbed sub littoral scrub.

The forest's proximity to a rapidly growing mining town leads to intensive wood and charcoal extraction, grazing and hunting. Subpopulations elsewhere are smaller, show few signs of regeneration and are threatened by the rapid depletion of the habitat through charcoal and timber production.

This is one of my favourite baobabs – the flat top gives them an eerie, almost human look.
ramthakur, mikou, Silvio2006, lovenature, Evelynn, jmp, Adanac, horia has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To AnimalExplorer: Madagascar visitJamesp 1 03-24 14:03
To trinko: DullJamesp 1 03-24 13:52
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Critiques [Translate]

This tree has always fascinated me, James.
In Madagascar, I think it looks quite prosperous and healthy in comparison to its counterparts in Africa.
Very fine picture of these two standing tall and regal among lush greenery.
TFS.
Ram

  • Great 
  • mikou Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 863 W: 73 N: 1348] (5265)
  • [2007-03-24 13:32]

Hi James.
I like this very nice picture with this interesting trees.Composition and point of view well done.Pretty shows this baobabs with good details.Beautiful green tones color on vegetation in the surrounding these trees.Very interesting your note too.Well done,TFS.
Best greetings Milos.

interesting trees. focus is fine colors seem a little dull.

Hi James, wonderful baobab with beautiful colors, lovely composition with splendid trees, very well done, have a nice week end, ciao Silvio

Hi James,

Very nice shot that shows the uniqueness of these trees.

The baobob are some of the most interesting trees in the whole world, I have not been to Madagascar yet, but when I do these trees are on my list of images to get. :)

Hi James
These Baobab look so prehistoric. A unique capture of these prehistoric looking trees with their limbs reaching toward the sky. Interesting to hear how much water they can store. (Great Notes)
TFS Janice
P.S. seen the Wollemi Pine in Australia?

great habitat, TFS Ori

What amazing trees. Looks like that one has gorged itself with so much water it has split its britches? : ) Just kidding. I like this shot of them in such a lush environment. I don't think I've seen that before.

TFS
Evelynn : )

  • Great 
  • jmp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1836 W: 94 N: 2338] (8400)
  • [2007-03-24 17:35]

Hi James,
Thank for showing us this wonderful baobabs. Excellent composition, colours and pov.
TFS, José M.

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2007-03-24 23:27]

Hello James

These trees do have human qualities don't they.Very nice colour saturation.A very interesting posting.TFS

Rob

Hello James,
Awesome trees!
Well presented in an attractive composition, good details and a fine feeling of depth in the image!
Greetings,
Pablo -
...

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1043 W: 1 N: 4096] (13768)
  • [2007-03-25 8:24]

Hello James,
First great notes explaining to this prairie boy what he is looking at. This is truely an amazing bit of nature captured superbly by your great camera work. Lovely composition with great colors and sharpness, thanks James.
Rick

  • Great 
  • horia Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2078 W: 216 N: 3757] (12468)
  • [2007-03-26 7:55]

Hi James and really sorry for the late return, but i was actually gone on a field trip :)

This (Madagascar) is definitely a "must go to" place for me too!
I've seen you had a rather similar discussion with Paul, so whenever i'll think about it, i hope i can ask for pointers, too :))

Anyway, this is a very beautiful shot showing these aamzing baobab trees very nicely.
The POV on this one is terrific and it gives a good clearance behind them (as much as it can be asked for). The DOF is also very good the details and colors are cahrming.

Bravo and TFS
horia

uma das ilhas mais espetaculares que já vi, ainda não tive a oportunidade de visita-la, mas sempre que vejo me impressiono com sua beleza. Parabéns ótima foto boa composição.
Henrique brazil

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