Pepe's Fruit Trees • Davie, Florida
African Baobab Trees for Sale in Florida
Grow the legendary African baobab, Adansonia digitata—the massive “upside-down tree” known for its swollen trunk, drought adaptation and remarkable history.
I have more than 30 years of experience growing tropical and subtropical trees in South Florida. This guide combines my own seed-germination experiments, firsthand observations of historic local baobabs and practical care advice for backyard growers.
Check Baobab Tree AvailabilityCan Baobab Trees Grow in South Florida?
Yes. African baobabs have grown successfully for decades in South Florida, including historic specimens in Hollywood, Dania Beach, Coral Gables and Miami. They need full sun, excellent drainage, warmth and protection from freezing temperatures.
Pepe's Key Baobab Growing Tips
- Plant in full sun and extremely well-drained soil.
- Never keep the roots waterlogged.
- Water young trees regularly, then allow partial drying between irrigations.
- Reduce watering when the tree is leafless or dormant.
- Protect young trees from freezing temperatures.
- Acclimate nursery-grown seedlings gradually to intense sun.
- Give landscape trees plenty of long-term space.
My South Florida Baobab Experience
One of the most memorable baobabs I have studied is the huge tree at ArtsPark at Young Circle in Hollywood, Florida. Standing beside a mature South Florida baobab makes it easy to understand why the species has inspired so many stories.
I have also germinated baobab seeds using hot-water treatment followed by planting in coconut coir. The method produced seedlings within a few weeks without manually filing every seed.
The information below combines those firsthand observations with the practical needs of young baobab trees grown in Florida landscapes and containers.
Watch Pepe's South Florida Baobab Video
This video shows South Florida baobab trees, their fruit and seeds, and the remarkable form that makes the species one of the world's most recognizable trees.
What Is an African Baobab Tree?
Adansonia digitata is the accepted botanical name of the African baobab. It is native to seasonally dry areas of tropical and southern Africa and parts of the southern Arabian Peninsula.
Baobabs are deciduous trees with thick, smooth gray bark, enormous trunks and branches that resemble exposed roots when the tree is leafless. This is why baobab is often called the “upside-down tree.”
Mature trees can become massive and live for many centuries. Their trunks store water within living tissues, helping the trees survive long dry seasons.
Large white flowers hang from long stalks and are naturally pollinated by animals including bats. The hard-shelled fruit contains dry, mealy pulp surrounding many seeds.
The Remarkable History of Baobab Trees in South Florida
South Florida has a surprising collection of old African baobab trees. These trees are more than unusual landscape specimens—they are living pieces of local horticultural history.
Hollywood's ArtsPark at Young Circle
The large baobabs at ArtsPark at Young Circle in downtown Hollywood are among the best-known examples. Local accounts place their planting sometime around the 1930s or 1940s, although their exact origin remains uncertain.
One theory is that the trees may have been connected to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the plant-introduction work associated with Dr. David Fairchild. Another local theory credits the Wray family, founders of Flamingo Gardens in Davie. I have not seen definitive documentation proving either story, so I present them as part of the trees' local oral history rather than settled fact.
When ArtsPark opened in 2007, the park was designed around the existing baobabs rather than removing them. Standing beside these trees is one of the best ways to appreciate how massive and sculptural a mature baobab can become in South Florida.
The Dania Beach Baobab at U.S. 1 and Griffin Road
Another historic baobab survives near U.S. 1 and Griffin Road in Dania Beach, close to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Local history connects this tree to Commodore A. H. Brook, an early Broward tourism promoter associated with the Wyldwood property and its famous tropical trees.
The Dania baobab became a landmark and survived major changes to U.S. 1 as well as planning for the airport runway expansion. Public attention and preservation efforts helped keep the tree in place while the surrounding transportation system changed dramatically.
The nearby giant banyan that once helped attract visitors is gone, but the baobab remains as a living connection to early twentieth-century South Florida tourism and horticulture.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and Coral Gables
Baobabs have also been grown at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and elsewhere in Coral Gables. These plantings helped demonstrate that the species could adapt to South Florida's warm climate when given enough sun, drainage and space.
The Yesteryear Village Baobab
A large Palm Beach County baobab was donated to Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds after landowner Bob Reagan faced the loss of his property. Rather than allow the tree to be destroyed, he donated it to the nonprofit living-history village.
Reports from the time described a fundraising effort of about $20,000 to uproot, move and replant the tree. The move became part of a broader effort to preserve both the tree and the local history represented by Yesteryear Village.
Why This History Matters to Backyard Growers
These surviving trees prove that African baobabs can live for many decades in South Florida. They also show why site selection matters: a small starter tree can eventually become an enormous landmark requiring substantial room above and below ground.
South Florida Baobab History at a Glance
| Location | Historical importance | What is known |
|---|---|---|
| ArtsPark at Young Circle, Hollywood | Large mature trees incorporated into the public park | Believed locally to date from roughly the 1930s–1940s; exact origin remains uncertain |
| U.S. 1 and Griffin Road, Dania Beach | Historic tourism landmark linked to Commodore A. H. Brook | Survived road changes, heavy pruning and airport runway-expansion planning |
| Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden / Coral Gables | Important early tropical plant collections | Helped establish baobab as a viable South Florida specimen tree |
| Yesteryear Village, West Palm Beach | Large donated tree moved to preserve it | Historic reports described a roughly $20,000 relocation effort around 1999–2000 |
How to Grow Baobab Trees in Florida
Sunlight
Plant baobab in full sun. Young nursery-grown trees should be acclimated gradually if they were raised under shade cloth or protected conditions.
Soil and drainage
Excellent drainage is essential. Sandy or rocky soil can work well. Avoid low areas, heavy wet soil and any location where water remains after rain.
Watering
Water young trees regularly during establishment, then allow the soil to dry partially between waterings. Established trees are drought adapted. Reduce watering significantly when the tree loses its leaves and becomes dormant.
Cold protection
Baobab is tropical and should be protected from freezing temperatures. Young trees are especially vulnerable. Move containers into protection and cover in-ground young trees before severe cold.
Fertilizer
Baobabs do not need heavy feeding. Use a light, balanced fertilizer during active warm-season growth and follow the label. Avoid excess nitrogen and do not encourage tender growth before cold weather.
Container growing
Young baobabs can grow in deep containers and may be trained as bonsai. Use a fast-draining mix and a container with unrestricted drainage. Do not leave a saucer full of water beneath the pot.
Pruning
Prune young trees lightly to create a strong structure or maintain container size. Avoid unnecessary severe cuts. Baobab can recover from bark injury, but that does not mean the tree should be intentionally damaged.
How to Germinate Baobab Seeds
Baobab seeds have a very hard seed coat. Scarification and warm-water soaking are common treatments used to help moisture reach the embryo.
Pepe's hot-water method
- Heat water until it is very hot but not at a sustained rolling boil.
- Remove the water from the heat before adding the seeds.
- Allow the seeds to soak as the water cools.
- Plant the treated seeds in clean, moist coconut coir or another fast-draining propagation mix.
- Keep the containers warm and evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
- Move seedlings into bright light gradually after emergence.
Safety note: Very hot water can cause burns and excessive heat can kill seeds. Handle carefully and avoid boiling seeds.
Traditional Uses of Baobab
In parts of Africa, baobab fruit pulp is eaten or used in drinks, leaves are used as a vegetable, seeds may be processed for food and inner bark fibers are used for rope and other materials.
Historic hollow baobab trunks have also been used as shelters, storage spaces and public gathering places.
Food-safety note: Do not eat material from an ornamental tree unless the species, source, cleanliness and preparation are known to be food safe. This page does not provide medical advice.
Buy African Baobab Starter Trees
Baobab starter trees are offered in limited quantities. Current sizes, bundles, shipping and pickup options may change.
Local pickup is available from Pepe's Fruit Trees in Davie, Florida.
View Current Baobab ListingsFrequently Asked Questions About Baobab Trees
Can baobab trees grow in South Florida?
Yes. African baobab trees can grow in warm parts of South Florida when planted in full sun, excellent drainage and a protected location. Established specimens have survived for decades in Broward and Miami-Dade County.
What is the botanical name of the African baobab?
The accepted botanical name is Adansonia digitata. It is native to tropical and southern Africa and parts of the southern Arabian Peninsula.
Why is the baobab called the tree of life?
The baobab is called the tree of life because people have traditionally used its fruit, leaves, seeds, bark fiber and hollow trunks for food, materials, shelter and other practical purposes.
Why does a baobab look upside down?
When baobabs lose their leaves during the dry or cool season, their thick branches can resemble exposed roots, creating the appearance of an upside-down tree.
Are baobab trees deciduous in Florida?
Yes. African baobabs may lose their leaves during cooler or drier periods in South Florida and then leaf out again when warm weather and active growth return.
How large can a baobab tree grow?
Baobabs can eventually become massive trees with very thick trunks and broad canopies. Their mature size makes careful site selection essential.
How much sun does a baobab tree need?
Baobab trees grow best in full sun. Young seedlings should be acclimated gradually if they were raised under shade or protected nursery conditions.
What soil is best for baobab trees?
Baobabs need fast-draining soil and should not remain waterlogged. Sandy or rocky soil can be suitable as long as drainage is excellent.
How often should I water a young baobab tree?
Water young trees regularly while they establish, then allow the soil to dry partially between waterings. Reduce irrigation during dormancy or leafless periods.
Can baobab tolerate drought?
Yes. Established baobabs are highly drought adapted, but young container-grown trees still need careful watering until their roots are well developed.
Can baobab tolerate flooding?
No. Prolonged wet soil and standing water can cause serious root and trunk problems. Excellent drainage is one of the most important requirements.
How cold hardy is African baobab?
African baobab is a tropical tree and should be protected from freezing temperatures. Young trees are especially vulnerable to cold injury.
Can baobab grow in a container?
Yes. Young baobabs can grow in containers and are sometimes trained as bonsai. Use a deep, fast-draining container and avoid keeping the roots constantly wet.
How do you germinate baobab seeds?
Baobab seeds have a hard seed coat. Scarification followed by soaking in warm water is a common method. Pepe has also successfully used very hot water treatment before planting seeds in coconut coir.
How long do baobab seeds take to germinate?
Treated baobab seeds may germinate in several weeks, although timing varies with seed quality, temperature, treatment and growing medium.
Should baobab seeds be filed or scarified?
Scarifying the hard seed coat can improve water penetration and germination. A controlled hot-water treatment is another method, but care is needed to avoid cooking or damaging the seed.
When should baobab seedlings be moved into full sun?
Keep young seedlings protected while they establish, then increase direct sunlight gradually over one to two weeks to reduce sunburn.
Do baobab trees need fertilizer?
Baobabs generally do not need heavy fertilizer. Use a light, balanced feeding during active warm-season growth and avoid excessive nitrogen or winter fertilization.
Are baobab fruit and leaves edible?
Baobab fruit pulp and leaves are traditionally used as food in parts of Africa. Anyone using plant material as food should confirm the species, source, cleanliness and food-safe preparation.
Where are historic baobab trees located in South Florida?
Historic or notable baobabs can be found at ArtsPark at Young Circle in Hollywood, near U.S. 1 and Griffin Road in Dania Beach, at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, in Coral Gables and at Yesteryear Village in West Palm Beach.
What is the history of the Dania Beach baobab?
The Dania Beach baobab is a long-standing landmark associated with early Broward tourism promoter Commodore A. H. Brook. It survived changes to U.S. 1, heavy pruning and airport runway-expansion planning.
Where can I buy a baobab tree in Florida?
Pepe's Fruit Trees offers African baobab starter trees when available, with local pickup in Davie, Florida and selected shipping options.
