Adansonia stanburyana, Baobabus gregorii
Baobab, Boab tree
Imported tree planted in Aspire Park.
Adansonia gregorii, commonly known as the boab, is a tree in the family Malvaceae. As with other baobabs, it is easily recognised by the swollen base of its trunk, which gives the tree a bottle-like appearance. Endemic to Australia, boab occurs in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, and east into the Northern Territory. It is the only baobab to occur in Australia, the others being native to Madagascar (six species) and mainland Africa and the Arabian Peninsula (two species).[+]
Adansonia gregorii, also known as the boab or Australian baobab, is a deciduous tree native to Northwestern Australia. In Qatar, it is cultivated as an ornamental plant, valued for its unique, bottle-shaped trunk and striking white flowers. Due to Qatar's arid climate, Adansonia gregorii is often grown in landscaped gardens and parks with controlled irrigation systems, allowing it to thrive in this non-native environment. Its adaptability and distinctive appearance make it a popular choice for ornamental planting in Qatar's urban landscapes.
Observations of Adansonia gregorii in Qatar were made on two occasions. On November 30, 2015, a tree was spotted in Aspire Park, Doha, with no notable features or conditions reported. Approximately five months later, on April 21, 2016, another observation was made in the same location, also with no specific details provided about its health, growth, or any distinguishing characteristics. The species identification as Adansonia gregorii, commonly known as the boabab, suggests that these trees are not native to Qatar and may be part of a cultivated collection within the park. Despite the lack of detailed information, these observations confirm the presence of Adansonia gregorii in Qatar's Aspire Park during these time frames. The ability of this species to thrive in Doha's climate is notable, given its typical habitat in more tropical regions. No signs of stress or decay were mentioned.
www.catalogueoflife.org
QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.