Boab Trees

Although the iconic boab tree, Adansonia gregorii, is unique to the Kimberley and Victoria River Regions of Australia, it does grow in a variety of areas, providing they are not exposed to frost. It is a slow-growing tree at the best of times, and will be even slower-growing in cooler regions!

Boabs require a well-drained sandy soil with plenty of water during the growing season, but prefers drier conditions when dormant during the winter months.

The boab tree is deciduous, and will lose its leaves and go into dormancy during the winter months, which is the ‘dry season’ in the topics. New growth will normally commence around September/October and flowers usually start to open in November. Some trees will flower and fruit as early as four years under the right conditions.

The flowers of the boab are magnificent, and have a wonderful perfume which is enjoyed for a very short time.  They open early evening and are pollinated that night, only lasting a day or two on the tree before they fall.

Availability

We sell bare-rooted boab trees and can post or bus freight to anywhere in Australia.  If sending by Australia Post, size is limited to 1-metre in overall length, but trees to 2-metres in length can be sent by bus freight.

Boabs have a large tuber which can be up to 1/3 the length of the above ground portion of the tree. This needs to be taken into account when considering growing the boab tree in a pot.  All trees come with an information card about the history of the boab (Adansonia gregorii) and how to care for your tree.

To purchase an Australian Boab, please click here.  Note that the trees have the best chance of survival if dispatched bare-rooted when they are dormant – June to October.

Bonsai Boab

A unique alternative might be a Bonsai Boab – these small trees are about 20-30cm tall and have been selected for their interesting shapes. Each tree is planted in a shallow bonsai pot, with a piece of local Kimberley stone and polished pebbles.

Availability

Planted Bonsai Boabs are only available from Kununurra due to restrictions on posting soil between states.   Pick one up when next passing through on holiday – a living reminder of a timeless land.

Planted bonsai boab cannot be posted, but a ‘Bonsai Boab’ kit is available.  This comprises a bare-rooted bonsai tree, a shallow bonsai pot, a piece Kimberley stone plus pebbles, and instructions on planting and care of your Bonsai Boab.

Bonsai Boab

PLEASE NOTE: Bonsai kits are currently not available.  However we intend to reinstate the product in 2012 – we apologise for this inconvenience.

Boab Seeds

As an another option, you could try growing your own Australian Boab

You will need a good quality, well-draining potting mix with low added nutrients suitable for growing natives, a warm place, and remember to keep the soil damp!  Boab seeds can take upto 6 months to germinate, but in good conditions, they will be up within three weeks.

Availability

Australian Boab seeds are available all year.  We sell packets containing six individual seeds, which come with instructions on planting and care of your Boab seedling.

To purchase Boab Seeds, please click here

Prices

Trees are freighted bare-rooted during their dormancy period (May to September)

Trees up to 1-metre overall – $27.50 plus postage
1 to 2-metres overall – $60.00 plus postage

For trees larger than 2-metres – price on application, maximum length for transport may vary between states.

Bonsai Boab – from $35.00 (only available in Kununurra)
Boab Seeds (packet of 6 seeds) – $5.00 plus postage

To purchase a Boab Tree or Boabs Seeds, please click here