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Some Aspects of Nutrient Analysis of Seed, Pulp and Oil of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.)

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Abstract

Proximate, mineral and selected physicochemical characteristics of baobab (Adansonia digitata) seed, pulp and seed- oil were determined using standard analytical methods. The proximate composition (%) of the seed and pulp were as follows; moisture (3.8 ± 0.2 and 11.2 ± 0.2), protein (19.5 ± 0.5 and 3.5 ± 0.1), fat (13.4 ± 0.1 and 0.4 ± 0.1), ash (3.1± 0.1 and 4.5 ± 0.5), crude fibre (15.6 ± 0.5 and 6.1 ± 0.1) and carbohydrate (44.6 and 74.3). Baobab seed, pulp and seed-oil are good source of macro and micro nutrients with potassium (K) being the most predominant element with magnessiun (Mg), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) also present in appreciable quantities. The physicochemical properties also revealed slightly acidic P H for the pulp (5.6 ± 0.2) and oil (6.1 ± 0.1) while the seed was alkaline (8.2 ± 0.1). From the soluble solid content, the pulp contains more sugar than the seed while the titrable acidity of the oil with 3.51 ± 0.10 is higher than 0.65 ± 0.04 of the pulp. The saponification, iodine and acid values of the oil were 218.41 ± 0.20mgKOH/g, 92.10 ± 1.50mgI 2/100g and 6.52 ± 0.02 mgKOH/g respectively while the refractive index and specific gravity were 1.498 ± 0.002 and 0.928 ± 0.001. The results presented here established the edibility of the pulp, seed and oil as well as a pointer to its industrial usage. Keywords: Proximate, mineral, physicochemical, saponification, pulp, oil, seed, edible.
IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT)
ISSN: 2319-2402, ISBN: 2319-2399. Volume 1, Issue 4 (Sep-Oct. 2012), PP 32-35
www.iosrjournals.org
www.iosrjournals.org 32 | Page
Some Aspects of Nutrient Analysis of Seed, Pulp and Oil of
Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.)
G.O. Oyeleke1, M.A. Salam2 and R.O Adetoro3
1,2 Science Laboratory Technology Department, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Nigeria.
3 Chemistry Department, Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun, Nigeria.
Abstract: Proximate, mineral and selected physicochemical characteristics of baobab (Adansonia digitata)
seed, pulp and seed- oil were determined using standard analytical methods. The proximate composition (%) of
the seed and pulp were as follows; moisture (3.8 ± 0.2 and 11.2 ± 0.2), protein (19.5 ± 0.5 and 3.5 ± 0.1), fat
(13.4 ± 0.1 and 0.4 ± 0.1), ash (3.1± 0.1 and 4.5 ± 0.5), crude fibre (15.6 ± 0.5 and 6.1 ± 0.1) and carbohydrate
(44.6 and 74.3). Baobab seed, pulp and seed-oil are good source of macro and micro nutrients with potassium
(K) being the most predominant element with magnessiun (Mg), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) also present
in appreciable quantities. The physicochemical properties also revealed slightly acidic PH for the pulp (5.6 ±
0.2) and oil (6.1 ± 0.1) while the seed was alkaline (8.2 ± 0.1). From the soluble solid content, the pulp contains
more sugar than the seed while the titrable acidity of the oil with 3.51 ± 0.10 is higher than 0.65 ± 0.04 of the
pulp. The saponification, iodine and acid values of the oil were 218.41 ± 0.20mgKOH/g, 92.10 ± 1.50mgI2/100g
and 6.52 ± 0.02 mgKOH/g respectively while the refractive index and specific gravity were 1.498 ± 0.002 and
0.928 ± 0.001. The results presented here established the edibility of the pulp, seed and oil as well as a pointer
to its industrial usage.
Keywords: Proximate, mineral, physicochemical, saponification, pulp, oil, seed, edible.
I. Introduction
Seed, pulp and seed-oil are important components of plants that could be explored to meet up with the
food demand of the world’s increasing population.
Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) is a member of the Bombacaceae family which consists of around 20 genera
and 180 species. It is a deciduous tree that was originally located in Africa but can still be found in large
quantities in America, India, Malaysia [1] and hosts of other countries. It is tolerant to high temperature and
long spans of drought. It is also known as “monkey bread tree”. The baobab fruit which is harvested by
collecting from the trees or the ground consists of large seeds embedded in dry acidic pulp and shell [2]. Baobab
pulp is used in juice production while the seed and the seed oil are used in soup preparation as flavouring agents.
Nutritional analysis of baobab fruit pulp has shown that it is an excellent source of pectin, calcium,
vitamin C and iron. Its vitamin C content has been compared with oranges and found that it is about three times
higher (46mg/100 compared to 150-499mg/100g) [3] while Wilkinson, [4] also showed that the vitamin C levels
ranged from 74- 163mg/100g and all parts of the baobab tree are reported to have medicinal properties.
Research attention towards increasing the usefulness of plant protein source for food use includes
peanut [5], fluted pumpkin [6], cashew nut [7] and yam beans [8].
The knowledge of nutrition value of local dishes, soup ingredients and local foodstuffs is necessary in order to
encourage the increase cultivation and consumption [9].
This research work focused on the nutrient and physicochemical compositions of the pulp, seed and
seed -oil of baobab in order to expand the scope of knowledge on its full utilization.
II. Materials and Methods
2.1 Materials
2.2 Collection and Preparation of Samples
The baobab fruits used for this work were collected from a co research fellow from Osun State
Polytechnic, Iree, Nigeria.
The pulp was separated from the seed manually. The pulp obtained was kept for further analysis while
the seeds were sun dried for two weeks, ground, passed through a 2mm sieve and stored in air tight bags ready
for further analysis.
Some Aspects of Nutrient Analysis of Seed, Pulp and Oil of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.)
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2.3 Methods
2.3.1 Proximate and Elemental Compositions
The moisture, protein, crude fibre, ash, fat and total carbohydrate (determined by difference) contents
of the pulp and seed of baobab as well as the mineral contents were determined by the methods of A.O.A.C,
[10].
2.3.2 Selected Physicochemical Properties of Pulp, Seed and Oil
Titrable acidity and total soluble solids (Brix) of the pulp and seed were determined according to the
methods described by Onimawo, [11]. The PH of the samples were done using Philips Harris PH meter.
The acid value, saponification and the iodine values were done by methods outlined by AOAC, [10].
The specific gravity (25oC) and refractive index (at 26oC) were determined by using universal hydrometer and
Abbe refractometer
III. Results and Discussion
3.1 Results Table 1: Proximate Composition of baobab Pulp and Seed (%)
Parameter Seed + S.D Pulp + S.D
Moisture 3.8 + 0.2 11.2 + 0.2
Ash 3.1 + 0.1 4.5 + 0.1
Fat 13.4 + 0.5 0.4 + 0.1
Crude fibre 15.6 + 0.5 6.1 + 0.1
Crude protein 19.5 + 0.5 3.5 + 0.1
Carbohydrate 44.6 + 0.2 74.3 + 0.1
All results are average of duplicate determinations + standard deviation (S.D.).
Table 2: Mineral Composition of baobab Pulp, Seed and Seed-oil (mg/100g)
Parameter Pulp+ S.D Seed + S.D Oil + S.D
Na 35.10 + 0.50 40.72 + 0.20 25.15 + 0.10
K 1410.35 + 0.25 875.15 + 0.05 506.20 + 0.15
Mg 69.12 + 0.02 315.17 + 0.05 116.10 + 0.20
Ca 78.18 + 0.15 521.10 + 0.25 70.50 + 0.20
P 105.20 + 0.10 125.50 + 0.50 87.75 + 0.05
Fe 5.85 + 0.20 10.12 + 0.10 3.50 + 0.10
All results are average of duplicate determinations + standard deviation (S.D.).
Table 3: Selected Physicochemical Properties of baobab Pulp, Seed and Oil
Parameter Pulp+ S.D Seed + S.D Oil + S.D
PH 5.60 + 0.20 8.15 + 0.10 6.12 + 0.50
Soluble solid (brix) 15.0 + 0.1 1.5 + 0.4 ND
Titrable acidity (%) 0.68 + 0.04 3.51 + 0.10 ND
Refractive index (26oC) ND ND 1.498 + 0.002
Specific gravity (25oC) ND ND 0.928 + 0.001
Saponification value* ND ND 218.41 + 0.20
Acid value* ND ND 6.52 + 0.02
Iodine value** ND ND 92.10 + 1.50
All results are average of duplicate determinations + standard deviation (S.D.).
* (mgKOH/g), ** (mgI2/100g) and ND (not determined).
3.2 Discussion
The proximate composition of the seed and pulp is shown in Table 1. The moisture content was 3.8 +
0.2% in the seed while the pulp was found to have 11.2 + 0.2% moisture content. The moisture content of the
Some Aspects of Nutrient Analysis of Seed, Pulp and Oil of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.)
www.iosrjournals.org 34 | Page
seed is low compared to 5.8 + 0.04% in groundnut [9] and 4.6% for Citrullus lanatus seed [12] respectively. The
moisture content of the pulp is lower than 81+ 0.72% reported for Anonna muricata [11].
The protein content of the seed was found to be 19.5+ 0.5%. This value is lower than 38.61+ 0.07% and 23.4%
reported for groundnut and C. lanatus seeds [9,12] while the 3.5 + 0.1% protein for the pulp was found to be in
line with 3.2 + 0.1% reported for it by Magdi, [2].
The values of 13.4 + 0.1% fat, 3.1 + 0.1% ash and 15.6 + 0.5% crude fibre were in line with that of
baobab seed. These values were however lower than 31.30% fat but higher than 2.02% ash and 2.12% crude
fibre for fluted pumpkin [6].
The values for fat, ash and crude fibre contents of the pulp with 0.4+ 0.1%, 4.5 + 0.5% and 6.1%
respectively showed some levels of closeness to those of baobab pulp [2]. The values were lower than 1.29 +
0.01% fat, 14.12 + 0.02% ash and higher than 1.88+ 0.01% crude fibre reported for unripe pulp of Carica
papaya [13].
The carbohydrate contents of 44.6+ 0.2% in the seed and 74.3+ 0.1 % in the pulp showed that baobab seed and
pulp can be categorized as carbohydrate rich food. The carbohydrate content of the seed is comparable to 47%
reported for A. muricata [11] and higher than 1.81 + 0.02% for groundnut [9].
Table 2 showed the mineral composition of baobab pulp, seed and oil extract. Generally, all the three
parts revealed a fair deal of being a cheap source of nutritive elements with potassium being the predominant
element. The seed contain higher amount of all the mineral elements relative to the pulp and seed oil except in
potassium where the pulp has the highest concentration.
The seed oil followed those of the seed closely in mineral element composition. Minerals are important
in the diet because they serve as cofactors for many physiologic and metabolic functions and in their absence,
clinical deficiencies may occur [6]. Na/K and Ca/P ratios are also of medical importance especially in blood
clotting and in reducing high blood pressure.
Table 3 showed some physicochemical properties of the seed, pulp and oil of baobab.The PH of 5.60+
0.20 for the pulp indicates that it is acidic and the value is higher than that of 4.56 reported for A. muricata [11].
The PH of 6.12 of the oil is an indication of slightly acidic condition. The soluble sugar (brix) of 15.0 + 0.1 and
1.5+ 0.4 for pulp and seed showed that the pulp contained more sugar compared to the seed and therefore the
pulp will be useful for wine production. The titrable acidity of the pulp and the seed of baobab were found to be
0.68 + 0.04% and 3.51 + 0.10% respectively.
The refractive index (at 26oC) and specific gravity (at 25oC) were found to be 1.498 + 0.002 and 0.928+ 0.001
respectively. The values were similar to that reported by Magdi [2] for baobab and also within the range found
for vegetable oils. The refractive index of 1.498+ 0.02 does not fall within the range of 1.475- 1.485 for drying
oils.
Saponification value of 218.41+0.02 mgKOH/g for the oil was higher than 137mgKOH/g reported for
cashew nut oil [7] but lower than 232.81mgKOH/g for palm kernel oil [14]. The high saponification value
suggests that the oil may be suitable for soap making. The iodine value of 92.10+1.50mgI2/100g for the oil
showed that it contain low degree of unsaturation and can therefore be classified as non-drying edible oil
because 80-100g/100g iodine has been suggested for most edible oils [15].
The high saponification and low iodine values is a pointer to the stability of the oil [2]. The acid value
of 6.52+0.02mgKOH/g was found to be higher than 4.279mgKOH/g reported for soyabean by Akanni et al, [16]
and lower than 10.7mgKOH/g for cashew nut seed [7].
V. Conclusion
The results of this research showed that baobab pulp, seed and oil are of high economic value in terms
of protein, fat and energy contents. They are also good and cheap source of macro and micro elements. The
physicochemical properties of the oil indicated that it is non-drying and edible. Industrially, the oil may be
useful in small, medium and large scale for soap, cosmetic and candle making.
VI. Recommendation
Further work should be carried out on the amino and fatty acids characteristics of the pulp, seed and oil
of baobab to expand its nutritional potentials.
Some Aspects of Nutrient Analysis of Seed, Pulp and Oil of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.)
www.iosrjournals.org 35 | Page
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[2] A.O. Magdi, Chemical and Nutrient Analysis of Baobab (Adansonia digitata) Fruit and Seed Protein Solubility. Plant Food for
Human Nutrition 59, 2004, 29-33.
[3] S. Manfredini, S. Vertuani, E. Braccoli and V. Buzzoni, Antioxidant Capacity of Adansonia digitata Fruit, Pulp and Leaves. Acta
Phytotherapeutical 2, 2002, 2-7.
[4] Wilkinson,J.A. Baobab Dried Fruit Pulp.Novel Food Applications, 2006,
http://www.acnfp.gov.uk/assess//
[5] E.H. Ahmed and C.T. Young, Composition, Nutrition and Flavour of Peanut. American Peanut Research and Education Society,
Yoakum, Texas. 1982, Pp. 655-687.
[6] C. Agatemor, Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) Seed: A Nutritional Assessments. EJEAFche. Vol.6, 2007, 1787-
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(Anarcardium occidentalis) Oil and Cashewnut Shell Liquid. J. Agric., Food & Environ. Sci. Vol. 2 Issue 1, 2008, 1-12.
[8] D.O. Edem, C.I. Amugo and O.U. Eka, Chemical Composition of Yam beans (Sphenostylis sternocarpa). Tropical Science 59,
1990, 59-63.
[9] V.N. Atasie, T.F. Akinhanmi, and C.C. Ojiodu, Proximate Analysis and Physicochemical Properties of Groundnut (Arachis
hypogea L). Pak. J. of Nutr. 8(2), 2009, 194-197.
[10] A.O.A.C., Official Methods of Analysis. Association of Analytical Chemists. 18th Edition, 2005, Washington, D.C.
[11] I.A. Onimawo, Proximate Composition and Selected Physicochemical Properties of the Seed, Pulp and Oil of Sour Sop (Anonna
muricata). Plant Food for Human Nutrition 57, 2002, 165-171.
[12] G.C. Ojieh, O.M. Oluba, Y.R. Ogunlowo, K.E. Adebisi, G.O. Eidangbe and R.T. Orole, Compositional Studies of Citrullus lanatus
(Egusi melon) Seed. The Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness Vol.6 No1, 2008.
[13] O.I. Oloyede, Chemical Profile of Unripe Pulp of Carica papaya. Pak. J. Nutr. 4(6), 2005, 379-381.
[14] V.N. Atasie and T.F. Akinhanmi, Extraction, Compositional Studies and Physicochemical Characteristics of Palm Kernel Oil. Pak.
J. of Nutr. 8(6), 2009, 800-803.
[15] D. Pearson, Chemical Analysis of Food (8th edn.), 1981, London, Church Hill, Livingstone.
[16] M.S. Akanni, A.S. Adekunle and E.A. Oluyemi, Physicochemical Properties of Some Non-conventional Oil seeds. J. Food Technol.
3, 2001, 177-181.
... This implies that the outer cover of Hunteria umbellata seed contain notable amount of carbohydrate which is removed when dehulled. The carbohydrate content of DHUS (43.23%) is very close to 44.60% reported for Adansonia digitata [16] and very high compared to 9.10% obtained for calabash whole seed. Carbohydrate level in WHUS (58.88%) is higher than 44.6 and 47.44% reported for baobab pulp seed and Prunus persica respectively. ...
... Potassium acts as Cofactor that functions in protein synthesis and activation of enzymes. The potassium value for DHUS (1130mg/100g) and WHUS (1150mg/100g) are in line with 1410.35mg/100g reported for baobab pulp [16] but extremely high compared to 29.52mg/100g obtained for Blighia sapida [8]. Potassium can be used to balance fluid and nerve transmission. ...
... The value (87.5mg/100g) DHUS and (90mg/100g) WHUS obtained for sodium is higher than the value 29.20mg/100g and 42.7mg/100g reported for Blighia sapida and Baobab seed respectively [8] and [16]. Na/K ratio of less than one is recommended [19] in our diet therefore; Na/K (0.077) and (0.078) will be good for hypertensive patients. ...
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The nutritional compositions of Hunteria umbellata were examined in this study. Proximate, mineral and inorganic elements of dehulled Hunteria umbellata seed (DHUS) and whole Hunteria umbellata seed (WHUS) were analyzed. The proximate composition (%) of the DHUS and WHUS seed are as follows; crude protein (13.65) and (9.0), crude fibre (26.79) and (2.74), crude fat (2.87) and (14.97), ash (3.89) and (3.45), moisture (9.57) and (10.95) and carbohydrate (43.23) and (58.88). Hunteria umbellata are good source of macro and micro nutrient (mg/100g) with Potassium (1130) and 1150, Magnesium (180) and (189), Calcium (76) and (78), Sodium (87.5) and (90), Iron (60) and (63), Manganese (5) and (7) also present in appreciable quantities. The result of inorganic element (mg/100g) also revealed in Hunteria umbellata; Nitrogen (7.14) and (2.11), Carbon (52.1) and (68.4), Hydrogen (4.22) and (6.11), Sulphur (2.33) and (2.26) and Oxygen (34.3) and (21.1) respectively. Nitrogen content was determined by micro-Kjeldahl method. Total carbohydrate was calculated by the difference method while mineral analysis was carried out after acid digestion using spectrophotometer and flame photometry. The high value obtained for potassium, carbohydrate, and carbon reveal that Hunteria umbellata seed has potential of serving as supplement for food, source of synthetic and antimicrobial drugs, and traditional herbal medicine.
... This implies that the outer cover of Hunteria umbellata seed contain notable amount of carbohydrate which is removed when dehulled. The carbohydrate content of DHUS (43.23%) is very close to 44.60% reported for Adansonia digitata [16] and very high compared to 9.10% obtained for calabash whole seed. Carbohydrate level in WHUS (58.88%) is higher than 44.6 and 47.44% reported for baobab pulp seed and Prunus persica respectively. ...
... Potassium acts as Cofactor that functions in protein synthesis and activation of enzymes. The potassium value for DHUS (1130mg/100g) and WHUS (1150mg/100g) are in line with 1410.35mg/100g reported for baobab pulp [16] but extremely high compared to 29.52mg/100g obtained for Blighia sapida [8]. Potassium can be used to balance fluid and nerve transmission. ...
... The value (87.5mg/100g) DHUS and (90mg/100g) WHUS obtained for sodium is higher than the value 29.20mg/100g and 42.7mg/100g reported for Blighia sapida and Baobab seed respectively [8] and [16]. Na/K ratio of less than one is recommended [19] in our diet therefore; Na/K (0.077) and (0.078) will be good for hypertensive patients. ...
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The nutritional compositions of Hunteria umbellata were examined in this study. Proximate, mineral and inorganic elements of dehulled Hunteria umbellata seed (DHUS) and whole Hunteria umbellata seed (WHUS) were analyzed. The proximate composition (%) of the DHUS and WHUS seed are as follows; crude protein (13.65) and (9.0), crude fibre (26.79) and (2.74), crude fat (2.87) and (14.97), ash (3.89) and (3.45), moisture (9.57) and (10.95) and carbohydrate (43.23) and (58.88). Hunteria umbellata are good source of macro and micro nutrient (mg/100g) with Potassium (1130) and 1150, Magnesium (180) and (189), Calcium (76) and (78), Sodium (87.5) and (90), Iron (60) and (63), Manganese (5) and (7) also present in appreciable quantities. The result of inorganic element (mg/100g) also revealed in Hunteria umbellata; Nitrogen (7.14) and (2.11), Carbon (52.1) and (68.4), Hydrogen (4.22) and (6.11), Sulphur (2.33) and (2.26) and Oxygen (34.3) and (21.1) respectively. Nitrogen content was determined by micro-Kjeldahl method. Total carbohydrate was calculated by the difference method while mineral analysis was carried out after acid digestion using spectrophotometer and flame photometry. The high value obtained for potassium, carbohydrate, and carbon reveal that Hunteria umbellata seed has potential of serving as supplement for food, source of synthetic and antimicrobial drugs, and traditional herbal medicine.
... Furthermore, the carbohydrate content of H. umbellata seeds (56.73%) was higher than the values reported for Adansonia digitata (44.60%), baobab pulp seed (44.6%), and Prunus persica (47.44%) (Oyeleke et al., 2012). Carbohydrates serve as a significant energy source. ...
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... Likewise, baobab leaves are superior in nutritional quality to fruit pulp and contain signifcant vitamin A levels. All parts of the plant have many phytochemical constituents with multiple biological properties including antioxidant and anti-infammatory activities [5,12]. Seed, pulp, and seed oil of baobab are also good sources of macro-and micronutrients such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus as well as many healthpromoting substances [11,13]. ...
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Baobab (Adansonia digitata L) is a large tree species growing in semiarid and arid lowlands of Ethiopia and other places. The plant is valued by natives for its contributions as a cash crop and livelihood tree. Previous studies using samples from different countries have documented their phytochemical profiles and nutritional and health benefits. This study explored the phytochemical constituents and biological activities of fruit pulp extracts of baobab collected from Tekeze Valley, Tigrai, Ethiopia. To this end, qualitative phytochemical screening tests, quantitative phytochemical analyses, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were carried out using aqueous extract. Analyses of antioxidant activities were also conducted with aqueous- and methanol-extracts using of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), and hydroxyl (OH) radical scavenging activity assays. The qualitative screening tests showed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. Quantitative analyses of these phytochemicals at 25, 50, and 100 g/mL aqueous extract resulted in 0.0252 to 0.1000% yields. Yields of flavonoids, phenols, and saponins were higher at 50 g/mL extract, while that of tannins and terpenoids were higher at 100 g/mL. GC-MS analysis resulted in 15 predominant compounds including (1,2bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene (13.17%), 2-methyl-7-phenylindole (11.75%), 2-ethylacridine (10.11%), and benz[b]-1,4-oxazepine-4(5H)-thione,2,3-dihydro-2,8-dimethyl (10.11%). Aqueous and methanol extracts showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activities. In all the assays and concentrations, the antioxidant activities of both extracts were lower than that of the ascorbic acid standard. At equal extract concentrations (e.g., 100 and 250 μg/mL), methanol extract had higher antioxidant activities than aqueous extract. The findings can encourage future initiatives towards large-scale research for compiling a complete phytochemical profile of the fruit pulp of the Ethiopian baobab.
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