In Madagascar, some baobab trees that appeared to belong to the same species were hiding a deeper genetic difference. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have now recognized Adansonia bozy as a distinct species found only on the island, according to a study published in the journal Taxon. The trees had previously been classified as part of another Malagasy baobab species, Adansonia za.
Although the two species look similar, genetic analysis showed that northern populations formerly assigned to A. za are actually more closely related to other baobabs from northern Madagascar. Separating them into a distinct species could also change how conservation resources are directed toward these endangered trees.
Baobabs grow naturally in Australia, continental Africa, and Madagascar. Before the new classification, scientists recognized eight species worldwide: one in Australia, one in continental Africa, and six in Madagascar.
