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The origin and long-distance travels of upside down trees

Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainability  Faculty of Science and Engineering 

15 May 2024

Alex Antonelli (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)
Alex Antonelli (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)

The iconic baobabs, also known as upside-down trees, or the tree of life, have much cultural significance, inspiring innumerable arts, folklore, and traditions. The new research published in Nature reveals a remarkable example of species radiation in Madagascar followed by long distance dispersal to Africa and Australia. With speciation, an astonishing divergence of pollination mechanisms evolved, that exploit hawkmoths, bats and lemurs for a simple nectar reward.

Updated by: David Lockwood