Madagascar baobab species Adansonia bozy identified via genetic analysis

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and Iowa State University have identified a new species of baobab tree in Madagascar, named Adansonia bozy. The discovery, published in the journal Taxon, utilizes phylogenetic methods and targeted sequence capture to reveal significant genetic divergence in trees that were previously classified as Adansonia za.

While the new species shares morphological similarities with other baobabs, genetic analysis shows it is more closely related to different groups in northern Madagascar. The identification of Adansonia bozy increases the known number of baobab species to nine.

Due to its limited population size and threats such as deforestation, Adansonia bozy is preliminarily classified as critically endangered. Scientists hope this taxonomic clarification will help direct conservation and restoration efforts toward the species.